Before you freak out, there is no invasion happening here, but an axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum) has taken up residency at the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary.

The axolotl is a fully aquatic salamander that lives its entire life in its larval form. It is generally believed to be an example of a regression in evolution. The most closely related ancestors were once terrestrial salamanders while the axolotl is perfectly happy to live its entire life under water.These unique little creatures are found exclusively in the bottom of the Xochimilco lakes near Mexico City, Mexico. The average life span is between 10 and 15 years. Some may grow up to a foot in length, but the majority are usually about 6 inches in size.The axolotl was brought to his new home on April 30."This little guy has grown an inch and a half since we got him," said Mari Gruber of Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary. Gruber said a move to a bigger tank is in order.Axol, as he is named by the sanctuary, was raised in captivity."I wanted to bring one to the sanctuary to show kids an endangered species they probably would never see otherwise," Gruber said. "He eats salmon pellets, which he smells as soon as they are dropped into the tank. Since he catches them midtank, the kids think he is trained."One of the most amazing features, Gruber said, is that the axolotl has the ability to regenerate limbs and heal its own wounds without forming scar tissue like a normal animal would.The typical axolotl is either black or brown. The one at Bear Mountain is a golden albino.While it is considered to be a critically endangered species, roasted axolotl is considered a delicacy in Mexico.Axol can be seen, along with a variety of rain forest frogs and, of course numerous species of butterflies, at the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary at 18 Church Road in Jim Thorpe which is about 8 miles north of downtown and is open seven days a week during the summer months.