Chameleon Rescued From Peninsula Power Line

DALY CITY, CA — Think you’ve had a harrowing week? You’ve got nothing on an exotic reptile who spent days hanging on for life to a San Mateo County power line.

The chameleon is now slithering in safety thanks to an observant neighbor and rescue workers from the Peninsula Humane Society Wednesday.

The neighbor called the PHS after spotting the lizard straddling the power line from her window according to PHS Communications Manager Buffy Martin Tarbox.

“According to the neighbor, the poor lizard had been stranded on the wire for three days,” Tarbox said.

“Our rescue staff was able to safely remove the animal from the power line, and the chameleon is now resting comfortably at our shelter.”

A PHS staffer netted the chameleon to safety with after consulting with an electrical line worker in the area to make sure it was safe to rescue the animal from the power line.

Thousands of miles from its native habitat, this animal was no stray.

“Since these lizards are native only to Africa, the chameleon is either someone’s exotic pet or an escapee from a pet shop,” Tarbox said.

“To date, we haven’t found a lost report that fits this little animal, but we are well prepared to find a suitable home should that prove necessary. Unlike most shelters, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA has a professional exotics animals team in place.”

The PHS is asking if anyone who is missing a pet chameleon to call (650) 340-7022.