This Secluded Arkansas Cave Is One Of The Only Places You'll Find Albino Crayfish
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published November 08, 2021
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
There are several caves in Arkansas, but you won’t find another like Hell Creek Cave. It has a couple of unique features, but what really sets it apart is that it’s one of the few places you’ll find an extremely rare species – albino crayfish.
Hell Creek Cave is the highlight of Hell Creek Cave Natural Area, which is near Mountain View.
Hell Creek Cave isn’t the only cave in the natural area, though. Since its establishment in 1985, five other caves have been discovered and documented in the 261-acre natural area.
Hell Creek flows right through Hell Creek Cave, which means the cave is wet year-round. And after periods of heavy rainfall, many of its passages are flooded.
The cave’s dark, moist conditions provide the perfect environment for several animals, including two endangered species – gray bats and albino crayfish.
The colorless, 3-inch crayfish, which are often called Hell Creek Cave Crayfish, can only be found in two caves and one spring. (Aside from Hell Creek Cave, Nesbitt Spring Cave and Stone County and Yellville Spring are also home to albino crayfish.)
Ready to explore this amazing natural gem? Click here for more info on Hell Creek Cave Natural Area.
So, did you know about Hell Creek Cave? What about the fact that it’s home to albino crayfish? Ever visited the natural area? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!
This isn’t the only place in the state you can spot unique critters. Click here for photos of wildlife in Arkansas that will drop your jaw.
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