David Herasimtschuk is a conservation photographer who specializes in freshwater environments. The ancient salamanders that have been living in mountain streams for more than 160,000,000 years can reach a length of more than 2 feet, but their wrinkled skin blends in well with the environment. Untrained eyes might mistake a Hellbender as a rock at first. But Herasimtschuk’s underwater photography shows their stunning beauty.
The photographer claims that the hellbender is among the strangest animals on the planet. This living fossil is one of the most important and beautiful river creatures that you will ever see.
Hellbenders, however, are in serious trouble. Hellbenders breathe through their wrinkled skin. They are therefore heavily dependent on the quality of water. When that water quality is affected by agricultural activities, pollution and harmful chemicals, they suffer too. Researchers found that hellbender numbers have been declining since the 1980s.
Herasimtschuk was fascinated by freshwater ecosystems as a child while he grew up in Colorado near the Cache la Poudre River, where he spent hours watching toads. Herasimtschuk, who has been working with Freshwaters Illustrated for more than 10 years, is a nonprofit that raises awareness about aquatic ecosystems. During that time he has met countless amphibians and fish across the continent.
Herasimtschuk once discovered, underwater, in Tennessee’s Tellico River a hellbender holding a snake. The snake was able to escape, but the experience left Herasimtschuk with a new sense of wonder and awe. He explains that “incredible worlds can be found just beneath the surface of rivers and streams.” These environments are often forgotten and harbor creatures that we can’t imagine. Many of these creatures live right in our backyard.
Herasimtschuk was asked to share more information about his underwater photography and his work in support of freshwater eco-systems. He also spoke to us about the threats to our rivers, as well as what can be done.