Hellbenders or "snot otters" are giant salamanders living in streams of the eastern US. These are not only wonderfully unique animals but are also sentinels of river health. They have undergone dramatic declines with some populations showing signs of disease. I will be evaluating skin secretions from different populations to determine causes of wounds and deformities seen in this declining species. I will be in the field as well as the lab looking for answers in the snot.