Speaking of wildlife: Concern over apparently abandoned reptile

| High Point | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just before our sudden downtime, this came in from Ann:

My husband and I just witnessed a couple abandoning an iguana near the High Point pond. They were driving a newer compact gray 4 door pickup, license was something like (WA plate that appeared to start with A). We saw them take it out of a styrofoam container and they seemed to be walking it on a leash. Next thing we knew they took off so we went over to investigate and sure enough, it was climbing the hillside just east of the pond. We called Animal Control but they were closed. Then called the Seattle Police non-emergency number and they told us they couldn’t do anything. We flagged down an officer patroling the neighborhood and she told us that she was sorry, but that there was nothing she could do. I’ll call AC again in the morning to see if they can come look for it. Just doesn’t seem right to abandon an animal that surely is going to die in our cold weather as well as put our neighborhood kids at risk of possible danger, in broad daylight and get away with it.

d July 12, 2008 (12:44 am)

Here’s a possible resource for follow-up – a herpetology rescue group. This group has knowledgeable folks and I’m sure they will be happy to provide advice and information.

http://www.pnwhs.org/

Random July 12, 2008 (1:00 am)

Iguana’s are usually pretty nice at least the pet ones. If you were really worrid about the poor guy. Putting him in a crate or a bathtub for the weekend probably wouldn’t be a bad plan. Give it some romain lettuce or look online and then you could take it into the pound on Mon. I know with iguana’s plants with a high water content are like junk food for them. Hence romain vs. iceburg lettuce.

Ken July 12, 2008 (5:19 am)

Did you pick it up Ann? I have a container used for backup tortise habitat that it can be kept in if you don’t have a suitable place to keep it.

I am within 400 yards of the pond.

Ann July 12, 2008 (7:52 am)

Thanks for your ideas. I actually tried the herpetology rescue group, but they aren’t taking iguanas right now. Not sure why. I was able to speak with Animal Control this morning and they will accept it. We’re going to head over with a cooler and see if we can find it.

GreenSpaces July 12, 2008 (8:27 am)

I am headed out with the dog – maybe she can scare it up. Altho it might be bigger than her, but she’s got a good nose. I’ll start along the top of the hill.

GreenSpaces July 12, 2008 (9:55 am)

Hmmm I didn’t find anything or see anyone else out there. It’s probably sunning itself somewhere that I can’t see it or has gotten further away than I thought.

d July 12, 2008 (5:03 pm)

Ann –

A few years ago, there was a state-of-the-art rehab facility on the peninsula near Bremerton or Whidbey???? which exclusively housed iguanas and a few turtles. If you do find the pond iguana, ask the herpetology rescue group if they are familiar with this incredible facility. I wish I could remember the name of it!!! Argh. If she is still around, the woman and her husband had dozens of iguanas! Very lucky iguanas. Worth following up on if you find the iguana at the pond. Good luck!

DG July 12, 2008 (7:08 pm)

Iguanas get sold for very cheap when they’re little and cute (at places like Petco) to people who haven’t done their research and don’t realize what they’re getting into. They can get over 5′ long and require more care and space than many people are willing/able to give. This is not to say iguanas can’t be great pets. You just need to do your research and be fully prepared to care for them properly.
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My guess as to why PNWHS wouldn’t take the iguana is not that they don’t want to help, but that they simply don’t have anyone with the space to foster yet another iguana who probably won’t be adopted anytime soon.

DG July 12, 2008 (7:15 pm)

Just noticed that PNHWS has an entire page up about green iguanas, which explains a lot.

Ann July 12, 2008 (9:28 pm)

Thanks again for everyone’s concern and efforts. We weren’t able to find it today either, but will keep an eye out.

sean July 13, 2008 (11:28 am)

I read this post yesterday and was thinking of all the different ways he was going to meet him maker: dog, raccoon, car,weather, internal issues from lack of food….

I looked out the window to look at my tree and my neighbors and saw something odd. I went outside and what do you know, the Iguana was catching some rays in my neighbors tree.

I have always handled reptiles so I knew what I was in for. As I sit here bloody and bruised I can say I have caught the scared little guy. Anyone interested in a pet?

WSB July 13, 2008 (12:07 pm)

can you send a photo? even a cameraphone pic will do.
editor@westseattleblog.com

d July 13, 2008 (1:08 pm)

YEAH!!!! Somebody found him!!! YEAH!!!

DG July 13, 2008 (3:44 pm)

Glad he was found! Here’s hoping someone out there can take him–and keep him this time.

sean July 13, 2008 (3:45 pm)

If anyone can help me find a home for this guy it would be great.

WSB July 13, 2008 (6:41 pm)

Putting up the photo – thanks to Sean for sending it – on the home page in about 15 minutes, as we wrap up our Summer Fest coverage and move on to “what else is happening.”

Sorry, comment time is over.