As feeding is an important role to survival, the Ozark Hellbenders are no exception. Their primary source of food is smaller prey within their habitat. All Hellbender species are carnivorous, and they specifically prey on small animals such as: crayfish, snails, and small fish. While there is a variety of food sources they can eat, it all depends on the prey's population density within their habitat (Waylon Hiler et al., 2021).

• Intersting Facts:

  • Male hellbenders guard their nests 55% of the time, with the other percentage accounted for food scavenging (Rachel A. Settle et al., 2018). 

  • If the males are unsuccessful in foraging for food, they will attempt to strike prey while guarding their nests. This has a 37% success rate (Rachel A. Settle et al., 2018). 

  • When there is no success in scavenging for food, the males have been observed to partake in cannibalism, by eating some of the eggs in the nest for nutrients (Rachel A. Settle et al., 2018).