Georgia is home to five giant salamander species: eastern hellbenders, northern mudpuppies and dwarf, Gulf Coast (or western) and Apalachicola waterdogs. The largest of the five –hellbenders and mudpuppies – can be 10-13 inches long.

Due to their secretive nature and size, these salamanders are unfamiliar to most people and can seem frightening. But each is generally harmless and in need of conservation. Plagued by excessive sedimentation in the cold-water streams they live in, eastern hellbenders are proposed for Endangered Species Act listing. Except for Apalachicola waterdogs, the other three salamanders are – like hellbenders – considered species of greatest conservation need in Georgia’s 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan.

Report Giant Salamander Sightings 

To help gauge and monitor the distribution and status of Georgia’s giant salamanders, please report all sightings to DNR. Email details, photos and GPS coordinates (smartphone photos automatically include the coordinates) to GaGiantSalamander@dnr.ga.org. You can also call DNR at (478) 994-1438. Anglers who catch one of these salamanders should unhook (or cut the line if the hook is swallowed) and release it.

Species Distribution by Area

 

Area 1

Eastern hellbender

(Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)

 

Area 1

Northern mudpuppy

(Necturus maculosus)

 

Area 2

Gulf Coast waterdog

(Necturus beyeri)

 

Area 3

Apalachicola waterdog

(Necturus moleri)

 

Area 4

Dwarf waterdog

(Necturus punctatus)