DENVER (AP) – Colorado lawmakers found it difficult to say no to a roomful of kids urging them to make the western tiger salamander the state amphibian.

After hearing student testimony, a House committee gave initial approval Monday to legislation that would make the critter the state amphibian. One young student walked in front of the lawmakers to give them a close look of a western tiger salamander.

The students noted that Colorado does not have an animal designated as the state amphibian and told lawmakers the salamander is the perfect candidate because it exists in every Colorado county.

Eleven-year-old Ben Vagle from Denver’s Stanley British Primary told lawmakers that the western tiger salamanders are “truly an amazing amphibian.”

The bill now moves to the full House.

LINK: House Bill 1147

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