Volunteer Kyler Morse holds one of the rare “axolotl”
salamanders found in two of the Axolotl Lakes near Dillon. Photo
by Paul Hutchinson Notice the gills and fin-like tails on these
axolotl salamanders, juvenile characteristics carried into adult
salamanders. Photo by Paul Hutchinson On the north slope of
Montana’s Gravelly Mountains, surrounded by sub alpine meadows
and timbered slopes, are the scenic Axolotl Lakes. The unusual
name comes from an unusual species that inhabits the area: the
neotonic (meaning “retention of juvenile traits”) form of the
tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), commonly called
“axolotl.” While not a true axolotl - that distinction is
reserved for a distantly related species (Ambystoma mexicanum)
that occurs only in Lake Xochimilco in central Mexico --
Dillon’s axolotls exhibit nearly all the traits that make the
true axolotl famous. Traits such as a fully aquatic lifestyle,
retention of gills into sexual maturity, limb regeneration, and
a finlike tail. The major difference betwee