The following status listing was obtained from the Nature Conservancy's Natural Heritage Database in each state. Permits are often required to collect hellbenders, but this does not necessarily mean the species is protected.
Information changes quickly.
Consult with the specific state to find out if the status has changed. Hellbenders are listed as a G4 species over their entire U.S. range. This means the hellbender is apparently secure globally, but may be rare in parts of its range. Click HERE to go to a specific state's Natural Heritage Program webpage.