When it comes to the Ozark hellbender's natural modes of living, they have some unique genetic factors that rely on the murky stream-style habitats for survival. They are well-known to be large in size, ranging anywhere from 10-21 inches, while the adolescent size varies between 6.7-7.9 inches (Robert K. Brown et al. 2012). Along with their size, another key feature to these specific types of salamanders is their wrinkly skin.

All Hellbenders, including the Ozark Hellbender, are fully aquatic animals. Although they are fully aquatic, they only develop their gills for their adolescent stage in their life. Once they reach adulthood, the gills no longer are necessary and they develop lungs. Because Ozark Hellbenders have such tiny lungs, they cannot solely rely on them for adequate oxygen intake. Instead, they rely on skin breathing. Because they have larger surface area with their wrinkly skin, they absorb the right amount of oxygen through their skin. "Hellbenders position themselves in fast moving currents to ensure the flow of oxygen-rich water across these folds (Rachel Becker, 2016)."

• Because this is how the Ozark Hellbenders breathe, the specific environment they live in is essential to their survival. When different contaminants damage their environment, such as dams or other manmade infrastructures, or conditions of the water temperature changes, there can be life threatening changes to their ability to survive (Jeff Briggler, 2004).