Why releasing axolotl in Erie waters is detrimental to the environment

Erie County has had its fair share of unique creatures making their way into Lake Erie and its tributaries.

A suspected alligator was spotted swimming in Lake Erie last year, while a fresh-water jellyfish was seen in Presque Isle this summer. Recently, in mid-November, a rare salamander called an axolotl was rescued after being found swimming in Walnut Creek.

On Nov. 15, local pet shop Buzz N’ B’s Aquarium & Pet Shop posted on social media that a female axolotl was brought into its care after being found in Walnut Creek.

“Someone that was fishing in Walnut Creek found it and brought it to us knowing that it was not native and, of course, it was not,” said Paige Rhodes, owner of Buzz N’ B’s.

What is an axolotl?

Axolotls are native to southern Mexico City, particularly in Lake Xochimilc