The mascot is not just a symbol – it is an alert to the possible extinction of the species, “indicator of water quality”.
As hellbenders oriental (Cryptobrachus alleganiensis) are strange beings. They are giant salamanders, in several cases about 60 centimeters long, and have a monstrous look: with long, flattened bodies and wide and oblong mouths, which use to suck food, as they have no teeth.
The small Boonein North Carolina, USA, with about 20,000 people, decided to adopt these strange animals that live in the Sue Lago.
The nicknames to the pet amphibian soon emerged: lasagna lizard (Lasanha Lizard), snot otter (Grover otter) and devil dog (Dog of the Devil) are some examples, indicates the
There is even an IPA craft beer with its name, typical of the area. And last year, a new tribute to the Hellbenders emerged in the center of the city: a large mural with these curious drawn animals.
“The mural and similar works remind the public to Importance of protecting our rivers and streams“Says Andy Hill, Guardian of the Watauga River and regional director of the Mountainntrue environmental organization, headquartered in Asheville, near Boone.
This is also the purpose of the mascot – making the population more involved in the protection of this species, which may be threatened.
“Hellbenders are indicating species,” says Hill. “Water quality indicators. Salamandra became a symbol of the region and captured the public’s attention to biodiversity. ”
