PAWTUCKET TIMES (Rhode Island) 08 March 05 Lizard chills in C.F. (Kevin P. O'Connor)
Central Falls: Most creatures react with at least some misgivings when they are approached by humans in police uniforms.
Not so at Hadwin and Cottage streets Monday morning.
By the time Animal Control Officer Will Muggle and Officer Sandy Graiko rode in to the rescue at 9 a.m., the iguana basking on an ice patch was clearly unhappy with his exposure to a New England winter.
"This was a really friendly animal," Muggle said. "As soon as I picked it up, it clung to me for body heat.
"It was really happy to see us, so I think it had been out there for a while."
Police started their iguana hunt after a woman called from a cell phone, reporting that the reptile was alive and alert, sitting on a patch of ice at the intersection.
"We went right over," Muggle said. "It was sitting on ice, just like the woman said. All I can figure is that it mistook the ice for a rock."
What is certain, Muggle said, is that the iguana is an escaped pet and that it made its escape fairly recently.
Like many city residents, iguanas are tropical. They thrive in conditions that are hazy, hot and humid. When kept as pets, owners must keep their cages moist and at least 85 degrees. Iguanas kept inside also need to bask under special ulta violet lights. They are cold-blooded animals, so they have no way of producing their own heat when they are cold.
"This iguana was cold when we got there," Muggle said. "It probably had been out for an hour or so.
"I’m really not certain how much longer it could have stayed out there. If they get cold enough, they just shut down."
Once they found the iguana, Muggle and Graiko brought it into the police station for safe keeping. Muggle then went back to the neighborhood, asking if anyone knew anything about the lizard.
"We are looking for the owner," Muggle said. "This is a nice iguana. It was obviously cared for. I’m guessing that the owner didn’t know it was missing.
"If we can’t find the owner right away, we’ll bring the iguana to the Cumberland shelter. They are equipped for exotic pets.
"If no one comes in to claim the animal, we’ll adopt it out."
Muggle noted that he approached the iguana with caution, using heavy gloves and a snare pole. Iguana can be tamed, but they are naturally wild. They have sharp, serrated teeth and can bite. Those familiar with iguanas recommend caution with unfamiliar animals.
Muggle said he is repeating that warning to everyone who might get near the iguana cage.
"This one responds to petting now, but we’ll see how he is later," Muggle said. "I have him on a heating pad now, and he seems happier."
Once the crisis is over, the iguana might react like most other creatures and be less welcoming to those in police uniforms.
"He was friendly when we got him, but he was cold," Muggle said. "Once he warms up a bit, he might change his mind."
Lizard chills in C.F.