Let’s get extra wild this #WildlifeWednesday with an #ESAat50 highlight: the hellbender. Hellbenders aren’t the most charismatic of species. Nicknamed “snot otter” or “Old Lasagna Sides,” these aquatic salamanders secrete a vile-tasting slime, breathe through their skin, have very poor eyesight and look like the two-foot-long love child of phlegm and a rock. 🤧 + 🪨 = 💦🦎? But oh do we love these fascinating critters. In fact, hellbenders are one of our favorite species protected under the Endangered Species Act — although just a few populations are truly safeguarded at the moment. Here’s hoping they make a full comeback! Music: “Hellbender” by St. Louis band Fire Dog, used in this original 2013 video with written permission by the artists. Go check them out!