100% incredible photo by David Herasimtschuk! Read his account of capturing this amazing pic:
https://m.facebook.com/623560454393253/photos/a.629813790434586.1073741828.623560454393253/1404579112958046/?type=3 …
David Herasimtschuk Photography
My
fascination with rivers is often fueled by the unknown. Even in waters
I've explored hundreds of times, it feels like the potential to
experience something few have ever seen is a definite possibility every
time I go below the surface. This is especially true in the flowing
waters of Southern Appalachia where the display of life that greets you
each time you dip your head below the surface is truly phenomenal. Giant
salamanders, known as hellbenders, can be seen lurking among the cobble
and bedrock of these ancient mountain streams. Having been fortunate to
spend a great deal of time underwater with these giants over the last
few years I've seen them display an array of fascinating behaviors.
However, this is by far the most remarkable. Drifting downstream I
spotted a hellbender that appeared to have some company. Clamped tightly
in the jaws of the giant, a northern water snake struggled to fight
free from its grasp. The snake put up quite a fight and was soon able to
escape from this otherworldly scene, avoiding becoming the hellbenders
next meal.
Going beneath the surface,
Freshwaters Illustrated
is currently working on a feature length documentary to share and
celebrate the hidden underwater worlds of Southern Appalachia. To learn
more about this project and the life that inhabits these incredible
rivers, keep an eye out for more posts from Freshwaters Illustrated as
we continue our work on Hidden Rivers. Be sure to watch the trailer at:
https://vimeo.com/66103145 A huge thanks to
Nauticam USA and
Reef Photo & Video for providing the equipment necessary to help us document these amazing creatures.
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