EXPERIENCE WITH IGUANA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 108, 31 January 1935, Page 4

EXPERIENCE WITH IGUANA

. The iguana is a large lizard about three feet, in length; it lives mostly on the ground and always makes for a tree as a refuge when in danger. Some years 'ago, when living in New South Wales, I had a curious experience with an iguana Suffering from a sprained ankle, 1 was driving round a rabbit-netted boundary fence. On the side I was traversing, it narrow path ran between the fence and a thick belt of trees; the country on the other side of the fence was clear. Suddenly. ahead on the far side of the fence appeared two iguanas making ineffectual dives into the netting in their endeavours to reach their natural refuge, a tree. I gradually gained upon them as they are only able to run swiftly for a short distance. As I came abreast, much to my amazement one turned and in despair made for the open country, hut tlie other, intent ou gaining his usual hiding place, ran up the fence, and. mistaking tlie wheel for the tree, ran up it and sat on tlie seat, beside me. As bo came in I went out. sprained ankle and all. and. landed on the other side. I called

"Whoa!” to tlie pony, who slopped with a jerk, precipitating the iguana on top of me. his faee pressed against mine. I thought I was n little too near nature that time, and evidently the iguana had tlie same views, as lie lied swift.lv uu a tree and after reaching that sanctuary kept on protruding his poisonous tongue nt me till I passed out of sight.— M.S. (Olau'iu Valley).