As you explore the mountain streams, secluded valleys and even along the roadsides, be on the lookout for some animals unique to the area. Hellbenders, Woolly Worms and Whistle Pigs may be called by different names in different areas of the Southeast, but they are all part of mountain folklore.

Weighing in at over 5 lbs full-grown is the Hellbender, North America's largest salamander. A resident of swift flowing streams with rocky bottoms, it is a mystery how the Hellbender got its unique name. One legend is that it was thought to be a creature from hell that was bent on returning, but the Hellbender is just a harmless stream dweller.

Also known as Devil Dog, Mud Devil, Allegheny Alligator and everyone’s favorite, Snot Otter, the Hellbender can grow to 29 inches long. Not the prettiest thing in the stream, they have beady eyes, slimy skin and short legs with 4 toes in front and 5 in back. The species that you may find in the mountains is the Eastern Hellbender. They range from parts of New York to Mississippi with concentrations in the Eastern Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama region. Hellbenders like to call flat rocks in swift flowing streams home, and most adults do not stray far from home.

Female Hellbenders can lay up to 200 eggs at a time. But Hellbender eggs are also one of the Hellbender's favorite foods, which may be why there are not a lot of Hellbenders in the wild. In addition to each other, their diet consists of crayfish and small fish. They will also eat bugs, worms, tadpoles and clams.

Hellbenders are classified as rare or endangered in most areas mainly because of water pollution and loss of habitat. But Hellbenders have also been sold in China and Japan as pets for up to $1700. Look carefully the next time you are hiking near a fast moving stream because there may be a Hellbender hiding under the rocks.

The Isabella Tiger Moth begins life as the Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar or Woolly Worm. The caterpillar is covered with thick fur-like bristles that are black at both ends and a copper to red color in the middle. The adult moth has yellow or orange wings with black spots. The Woolly Worm emerges in the fall and lives thru the winter. It is protected from freezing with an antifreeze-like substance in its body. When the weather warms, the Woolly Worm feeds on plants and grasses until it turns into an adult moth and begins the cycle again.

Folklore says that winter weather can be predicted by the stripes on the Woolly Worm’s back. We will leave that to folklore, but the Woolly Worm can vary in color from mostly black to mostly red. The colors will also change as the worm matures. If you think that the Woolly Worm can predict the weather, wait until you meet the next critter.

The Whistle Pig, also know as the Groundhog, Woodchuck and the Land Beaver, has been forecasting the weather every February on Groundhog Day. The Groundhog is a member of the Marmot family and can weigh as much as 30 pounds. They are common residents of North America and can range even into Alaska.

Groundhogs eat mainly grass and other vegetation and are known to be excellent burrowers. The burrows they dig can have as many as 5 entrances to help the Groundhog escape from predators. An adult Groundhog can move as much as 700 pounds of dirt when digging a burrow. Although some can live in the wild for up to 6 years, the average lifespan of a Groundhog is only 2 to 3 years.

So where did the name Whistle Pig come from? Groundhogs never stray far from a burrow entrance and are always on the lookout for danger. They have a high pitched whistle that is used to warn the other Groundhogs when they become alarmed.

Even though these critters may look cute and cuddly, remember that they are wild animals and should be treated as such. Visit your local outdoor outfitter they have field guides, maps and everything else you will need to make your next Take It Outside nature hike a success. If you have any questions, comments or even Snot Otter sightings, send us a note at takeitoutside@live.com.

Eastern Hellbender


Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar


Groundhog