Colorful Chameleon Found in California Neighborhood || ViralHog

Occurred on October 11, 2021 / Carlsbad, California, USA

"We do snake relocation in San Diego, California, and respond to 3-5 calls per day. This particular day was very different. The caller said he had a strange lizard and asked if I would come remove it. Upon my arrival to his home, I discovered what he had was a Panther Chameleon, bright colored and looking more like a bag of skittles candy than a reptile. I quickly knew this was no normal call. Panther Chameleons are native only to Madagascar, so I knew it had to be someone’s escaped pet. I wasn't at all sure how he would react to me so I was cautious. I know these animals can bite. I reached down to gauge his temperament, and he quickly climbed up my arm across my shoulder, up my face, and perched atop my hat. He was amazing. We are still trying to find out who and where "Max" came from but in the meantime, we are taking great care of him. If Max isn’t claimed we plan to be his new family."

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[zeusathena]

Beautiful! Luckily this little guy was found, before he died since he's obviously a pet.

[onik]

The Chameleon got right up to his ear and whispered "I've been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty"

[Jcreek]

“Oh you’re not even gonna bite me!”
*Immediately charges towards throat*

[zinozee]

My 72 year old neighbour has studied reptiles his whole life but hasn’t had the opportunity to see as many as he would have liked to before becoming ill in his 40s. I showed him this video today and he watched it over and over. He said thank you to me like I brought him this lizard to him personally.

The internet really is a wonderful thing. Thanks to whoever uploaded this!

[TheDebs]

I'd say as gentle as it is and seemingly used to people he was a pet that made the great escape.
He's gorgeous.

[Armann_]

That is a VERY beautiful lizard. Keep it alive until you guys find the owner. If it’s not _missing_ you found something special.

[thecybercookie]

The way he just casually started walking on his arm is absolutely adorable :3

[Bunny-nsni]

That's a panther chameleon. They're pretty rare to find without a high price tag, let alone walking around a yard

Edit: yes, it's definitely an escaped/released pet. They're only native to Madagascar, although introduced populations exist in a very small area of Florida. These are a dream pet for many reptile hobbyists, due to their coloration, but they are very difficult to care for.

[MoliminousTheater]

Wow those colors really pop! I love how his little eyes are just looking all over the place.

[mr.turtlesaysno]

He looks very healthy, must've been well taken care of. That's an escaped chameleon, ain't no way an owner would care that much for it and just let it go.

[gawdmo]

That was def a pet that escaped. His temperament and how comfortable he was just crawling up ya arm says alot

[jd]

Lizard: target is unsuspecting, going in for the neck

[Nanamowa]

I was actually more impressed with the containers ability to keep the chameleon inside. They're such great climbers, it's funny that he couldn't get out.

[aimee]

I love his little HANDS

(The chameleon, not the man)

[dreaming-of-spots]

What a healthy boy! A lot of the time loose chameleons (or even pet ones) wind up scrawny and dull, but man this guy is chunky and full of life! It's nice to see.

[wendyhaase]

I've never seen a chameleon look like that ever but even in a picture he's gorgeous

[norainnoflowers]

gorgeous little guy! Definitely a released or escaped pet. Even so I’m glad he ended up in good hands. Chameleons are gorgeous but can be very tricky to care for in captivity! they have several specific environmental and dietary needs that a lot of people don’t do enough reading on before deciding to purchase one.

[monstwapushin]

It’s gorgeous! I’m not really a fan of reptiles but for that little colorful dude it won my heart!

[drewparcel]

Panther Chameleon’s are really cool. They have some of the most vibrant colors of all Chameleon’s. They usually don’t like being held. It’s cool how tame he was. You found a friend there, enjoy!

[dannydethanos]

Chameleons are so sweet mine would just sit on my shoulder and stroke my hair sometimes he would climb it but mostly just liked the feeling it’s nice to be pet by your pet.