What’s in a name? Bronx Zoo proudly displays ‘snot otters’

NEW YORK – It’s a salamander by any other name — and some of those names are comical.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is now proudly displaying two Eastern hellbenders — also known as “devil dogs,” ”snot otters” or “old lasagna sides.”

Eastern hellbenders have flattened heads and bodies, small eyes, and slimy, wrinkly skin. They’re typically brown or reddish-brown with a pale underbelly.

There’s also a serious side to the subject. Efforts are underway to conserve dwindling hellbender populations in the wild.

Adult hellbenders can be nearly 2 feet long. Only two larger salamander species are known to exist.