Went with a friend today to catch hellbenders. we were worried about the rain and thunderstorms... we forgot about water level in the stream... it was super high and dark. we were lucky to find one, as it was a small one near shore. all the large stones were in the deep sections we couldn't see a thing. anyways here is a small hell bender, the largest american salamander species: 3rd largest specices in the world.


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9912edited.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9919edited.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9947edited.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9898edited.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9901edited.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9943edited.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/Doobs8i/new%20d200%20pics/Hell%20bender/DSC_9932edited.jpg


not phenominal pictures, it was hard cause it was raining, and the animal is so much larger than im use to the 60mm macro was almsot to telephoto for it.... plus i couldn't get any shots underewater since it was so murky. but still my first experience with one..... i even got bit :-)

SWEET!!!

Cryptobranchids are my absolute favorites - I've even done fundraisers for the cryptobranchid interest group, and spearheaded the CIG conservation project in the chicago herp society. Unfortunately I've been too busy lately to do much for them.

As far as photos go, I don't think it is possible to get a better shot of those than you have. They are terrible photo subjects because they look like poo once removed from water, and few people have the equipment to shoot underwater!!

hate me if you wish, but I so want one as a pet :) I never will, but it doesn't hurt to dream.

Very cool images Dylan.