THE TIMES (Ottawa, Illinois) 06 October 06 Arnold the iguana found deceased (Dee Hillyer)
Arnold, the iguana, who went missing Sunday evening, was found this morning by Kristal LeRette, St. Patrick's School principal. He was run over by a car near the school.
Arnold was the pet iguana of Mike and Barb Mann and son, Patrick, at 715 Sycamore Street, Ottawa.
St. Patrick's School is located at 801 W. Jefferson St., around the corner from the Manns.
St. Patrick's School was one of two schools contacted Wednesday. Others contacted to be on (the lookout) for Arnold were the police department, Animal Control, WCMY radio station and The Times newspaper.
"It looked like he may have been dead for a while. It looked like his tail had been clawed," LeRette said. "The students and staff had been looking for him since we found out about his disappearance. We actually thought that he would go to the playground where he could sun himself."
"Oh, I was so sad about his demise. I wanted him to be breathing. I know how pets can be an important part of a family.
"We will keep the family in our prayers at the school. We will pray that the family's loss will be light. LeRette said.
"We hoped for a better turnout," Barb said this morning.
http://mywebtimes.com/ottnews/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=276448&query=iguana
THE TIMES (Ottawa, Illinois) 05 October 06 Arnold the iguana missing five days now (Dee Hillyer)
Arnold is missing and a search is on to get him back home.
Arnold is a 4-year-old iguana. He lives on an enclosed porch at the home of Nick and Barb Mann, and their son, Patrick, at 715 Scyamore St., Ottawa.
The Manns believe Arnold escaped Sunday. The owners think he might be looking for some "fresh spinach" since it has been a while since he has had any.
The family is very concerned as Arnold can't withstand cold weather. With the forecast for overnight lows in the 30s, it is an worry to the family. Iguanas can climb tress, although Barb believes it is likely that Arnold will search out a sunny spot to warm himself.
The 14-inch long iguana, who looks like a green lizard, is as wide as young child's forearm.
Patrick went looking for Arnold again as late as this morning on Madison Street.
Barb has put out an APB (all points bulletin) on Ottawa's radio station, called the police department, called Animal Control and contacted both Lincoln and St. Patrick's Schools, which are in the vincity of the Mann home.
A call came in to the Mann home after the alert was made on the radio Wednesday. A man said that he thinks he saw Arnold walking west on Madison Street. "He was trying to be helpful," Barb said.
Barb cautioned anyone seeing Arnold must be mindful that iguanas don't just move if startled, but instead "bolt" and often times disappear. If found, the easiest way to capture him would be to throw a clothes basket over him.
"If he is picked up, he will wiggle like he is crazy and flail his tail," she said.
Barb said the iguana is "personable and not aggressive," and "blends in with many surroundings so is going to be tricky to spot."
The Mann family is asking for the public's help. Anyone with information about Arnold's wherabouts, can call 228-3211; 433-6060 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; or 488-6060.
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