These adorable critters are totally illegal in California

ktla ^ | 01/04/2025 | : Marc Sternfield

[BenLurkin]

Axolotls, or Ambystoma mexicanum, are the new superstars of the amphibian world.

These salamanders are native to a single lake in Mexico City, Lake Xochimilco, and are famous for their smiling appearance and incredible ability to regrow lost body parts.

California has fairly strict rules to protect local ecosystems and prevent non-native species from causing havoc.

“If released into the wild, axolotls have the potential to easily outcompete already struggling native salamander species, such as the California tiger salamander and the Eastern tiger salamander,” Axolotl Central points out.

For those who can legally keep them as pets, they’re considered to be low-maintenance with engaging personalities.

[Tax-chick]

I support keeping invasive animals out of your habitats.

[BenLurkin]

ping

[goodnesswins]

Haha...Yes!!!

[BookmanTheJanitor]

The things that are legal in California: knowingly giving people AIDS, stealing, and illegals.

[Leaning Right]

> These adorable critters are totally illegal in California <

At first I thought this article was going to be about Republican voters.

🤔

[Jamestown1630]

I love those little guys.

[Gman]

If you actually find yourself engaging with the personality of a Salamander you should seek a Mental Health Professional.

[BenLurkin]

I’m worried about the people who chop off their little limbs just to watch it regrow.

[TangoLimaSierra]

Caution: Does not work with the head.

[BipolarBob]

Sadly I had to give up my dream of having my own pet dragon due to these laws.

[quantim]

“I support keeping invasive animals out of your habitats.”

You mean deer that think your yard is a good place for breakfast, lunch and dinner? And rabbits, groundhogs, chipmunks...the list is long. No worries, I make a couple batches of an organic spray every year from the Carolina Reapers I grow, 100% effective.

[gundog]

Yeah...they pretty much are Tiger Salamanders.

The PNW has a somewhat less adorable analog in the Pacific Giant Salamanders. I’ve seen fewer terrestrial adults than neotenic specimens.

[marktwain]

How long does your treatment last?
Until the next rain?

[Jamestown1630]

The Axolotl just looks so darn happy all the time...

[gundog]

I just feel bad for anything that becomes the “it” pet.

[ridesthemiles]

A SALAMANDER WITH AN ENGAGING PERSONALITY ??????

Exactly what are the standards ???

ALL THE CRAZIES WILL WANT ONE.

[ridesthemiles]

ALSO-—VOTING WITHOUT ID.

[redfreedom]

So is a shotgun.

[x]

Not voles, I hope.

I need them to feed all these hungry squirrels.