Why are They Endangered
- The Eastern Hellbender population has dropped significantly in a short time.
- They are an endangered species because of habitat loss, some people will kill them for no reason, and food Thus the adults are not reproducing because they are not given the chance to.
- Another reason as to why they are endangered, is that the Eastern Hellbender breathes and drinks through its skin. If they go into polluted water they can get sick and die as a result.
- Acid Mine Drainage is when old coal mines fill with rainwater and pollute the area with dangerous minerals.
- Siltation is also a big threat. It's when sand, ground, soil come in from farm fields, roads, and cliffs and drift into the river. This causes the water to become less habitable.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7160.html http://mentalfloss.com/article/78141/10-slimy-facts-about-hellbenders http://www.wired.com/2015/02/creature-feature-10-fun-facts-hellbenders