Hellbenders, a type of giant salamander, are known by numerous nicknames including, but not limited to “snot otter,” “mud devil,” “lasagna lizard,” “Allegheny alligator,” and “devil dog. These giant, elusive salamanders—once common in the eastern U.S.—are now facing steep population declines. Matt Neff, Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum (CMM), will begin with a primer on salamanders and their ecological importance, then dive into the biology and behavior of hellbenders, sharing stories from his fieldwork and insights into their unique adaptations. Learn about CMM’s hellbender exhibit and the innovative conservation efforts underway to protect this endangered species.
Matt Neff is the Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum, where he leads efforts to educate the public about the region’s aquatic ecosystems and native species. Since joining the museum, he has launched several engaging exhibits, including one featuring the Eastern Hellbender. Prior to his current role, Matt spent 12 years as a zookeeper in the Department of Herpetology at the Smithsonian National Zoo. He is also a longtime coordinator for FrogWatch, a citizen science program that monitors frog populations through acoustic surveys. With a deep passion for amphibians and environmental education, Matt brings both expertise and enthusiasm to his work, inspiring audiences to connect with and conserve the natural world
Location
Online via Zoom