WHEN THE 42-INCH-LONG PET IGUANA OF A COUPLE in Plymouth, England, decided to relocate his sunbathing site, the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service ended up in the sunlight with it.

Taz, as Terry and Karen Burton’s pet is known, usually takes his daily sun soak on the window sill.  But when they came into the room on Monday, Taz couldn’t be found.

 Desparately, they searched the house looking for him, but couldn’t find him.  Later, while searching through the garden Mrs. Burton spotted his tail sticking out of the chimney where he had become stuck.  Unfortunately, a mob of seagulls had spotted him, too, and they began gathering for a group buffet.

The Burtons called the RSPCA who in turn called the fire brigade for help.  When the fire service arrived they got more than they bargained for when the iguana put its extra-long tail to use.  Iguana’s tails, which can make up half their body length, are a dangerous weapon, normally used in their native habitat in Central and South America.

“He whipped the firemen twice with his tail. It was quite embarrassing,” said Mr Burton.  But the fire lads got him out of the chimney without incident or injury and Taz is back in his glass cage where he’ll be staying from now on.

The incident involved two fire crews, eight people, two engines and one long ladder. Firefighters wore gloves and face protection after taking advice from the RSPCA. 

The Plymouth Herald has the full STORY.
 

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