Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So we moved into a new house (yeah) and it has a huge yard, beautifully landscaped and FULL of bushes and trees.

However Elliott made a mad dash for freedom on Sunday. I figured he wouldn't go far and I have time to get him. The weather is great and will be for another month or so...

Today I finally saw him and know the general area and group of bushes he is hanging out in.

The problem is he is just too darn fast. As soon as I get in close he makes a run for a denser part or under some leaf litter that I cannot get into.

I wish there was a way to fence in the section so he couldn't get any further, and then start to close it in, but I can't think how to do this.

Anyone have any bright ideas as to how to get my guy back??

Thanks so much
Boo

You might place a shallow dish near him, full of wax worms and other bugs that would make him happy, perhaps some fish flopping around. wait for him to move in and net em.

take a standard size bucket and bury it in a shady spot next to the area that you have seen him hang out. put about an inch of water at the bottom. I keep my feeder insects in buckets, and when I have left them out, I end up with a trapped waterdragon. I beleive that they have a hard time escaping because the height of the bucket demands a vertical leap that is just out of their range and the sides are too smooth for them to grab on to, but at the same time it is not so deep that they aren't tempted to enter it. I suggest water as bait, becuase they can less time without water then food and it will be his number one priority if no other sources of water are around. Keep us updated as to wether or not you catch him.

1. Okay here is are some more ideas. Get a roll of landscaping fence from home depot, Its the stuff that you around custruction sites, its basically black plastic with wooded stakes to hold it up and its very inexpensive. Place this fence around the area and chase him until you catch him.
2. get large plastic trash bags and place them on the ground near the area he hides and use sticks to prop them open about six inches. cover them with leaves accept for the opening and let him get used to them being around before trying to chase him into one. If he tries to hide in one, he won't even know that he's trapped and most likely won't even try to escape when you close the end.