Plymouth driver discovers big exotic lizard trapped in their car engine

A car journey contained an unexpected surprise for a motorist in Plymouth after finding an exotic lizard trapped inside the car engine.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Pearson, who carried out the rescue for the animal welfare charity, was called to Boxhill Gardens, on July.

She said: "The caller had described seeing a lizard sitting on the top of the car wheel arch when he left his house.

"Expecting to find a small commonly kept lizard in what sounded like a relatively easy collection, the rescue turned into a bit of a drama when I arrived to find a very large tegu actually inside the caller’s engine bay!"

RSPCA Inspector Pearson added: "The lizard was not very happy about trying to be caught and kept manoeuvring under the engine and up under the wheel arch where it was inaccessible to be reached.

"Perseverance paid off and after around two hours of waiting, prodding and trying to get the lizard into a position where he could be reached, I seized my opportunity and managed to get a grip on the body to remove the lizard out of the tiny gap."

The tegu is currently in boarding as the charity tries to locate an owner.

Anyone who can prove ownership can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 8018.

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• exotic lizard
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