Mexico's Water Monster: It's Very Ugly and Might Already Be Extinct

Scientists fear that the axolotl has already disappeared from it's natural habitat

By Jenna Mullins Jan 29, 2014 8:50 PMTags
Axolotl Mexican River MonsterYouTube

Ugly water monsters need love, too.

Let us tell you a bit about the axolotl. It's kind of like a salamander, it has stubby legs and it always looks like it's smiling. Its natural habitat is in Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City, and scientists have been looking for it for the past three months. But they've come up with no sightings.

Are they already extinct? Possibly. The Mexican Academy of Sciences say that back in 1998, they found 6,000 axolotls per square kilometer. And just 10 years later in 2008, only 100 were found. 

Scientists plan on going on another three-month survey in an effort to find any signs that the creature is still alive and swimming, We hope they find some, because we're pretty sick and tired of looking at and talking about only cute animals. Bring on the creepy-looking ones, too! Also, the axolotl is named after the Xolotl, the Aztec god of death and fire. How cool is that? That is a solid baby name suggestion. You are welcome. 

Check out the video below of the axolotl in action in an aquarium. Though it's not the most attractive creature on the planet, it does have a nice smile that makes you feel warm inside.