Haters are gonna hate, and hellbenders are gonna hellbend! In fact, fossil evidence indicates hellbenders have been hellbending for quite some time: They’ve been around for more than 150 million years. Sometimes called the “snot otter” or “devil dog,” the hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is one of the largest salamanders on the planet. This hefty amphibian can reach lengths of 30 in (76.2 cm) and weights of up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg). What’s more? Thanks to its gaping mouth, a hellbender can gulp down prey nearly its own size. Found in regions of eastern North America, it’s estimated that individuals can live for up to 50 years in the wild—so give this slimy senior some respect. Photo: USDAgov, CC BY-SA 3.0, flickr #nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #amazinganimals #salamander https://www.instagram.com/p/CpAikOnLBUw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=