The Hellbender, the largest salamander in the Americas, reaching up to two and a half feet, are endangered due to human activities such as tracking, .brThe largest salamander in North America is elusive and facing threats. Researchers are trying to find out what is leading to the decline of these amphibians.brOriginally published on Dec 10, 2012. Revised Oct. 2013 A Missouri resident, the hellbender is the largest species of salamander native to North America.brbrThe Saint Louis Zoo is raising over 180 Ozark hellbender larvae for eventual release back to the wild. These young salamanders, also known as snot otters, .