In 2005, a population of Silvery Salamanders (Ambystoma platineum) was discovered on the site of Skyline High School. This rare species is unusual in that all silvery salamanders are female. The species is a hybrid of Blue-spotted and Jefferson salamanders, and egg development is stimulated by the presence of sperm from these related species, but genes from the sperm do not actually enter the egg.

University of Michigan Museum of Zoology records show only two known locations for this salamander in Michigan.

When the salamander was first discovered on the high school site, it was seized upon as a rationale for halting development; many of the people concerned with the salamander's wellbeing seemed to be people who had previously complained about the school site for other reasons. A portion of the site was set aside for the salamanders, however, and they have successfully bred twice since their discovery.

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