Lizard Larry in the luggage

Friday 08 September 2023

First it was snakes hitching a ride to Guernsey from Mexico and Spain.

Now a lizard from Madeira has jumped in a suitcase to visit, much to the surprise of those who discovered it.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said: “Every day is different at the GSPCA and this week we were asked to help a lizard that stowed away in a bag from Madeira.

“The finders had been on holiday and when they were unpacking had quite a fright when a common gecko shot out of their suitcase.”

Pictured: Lizard Larry.

Now named Larry, the little lizard is currently in quarantine at the GSPCA.

The finder posted a note when they found the lizard which said: “Look who snuck into our case and nearly gave me a heart attack when I unpacked!”

“He ran across the bed and I screamed!!!”

In May, a Viperine Snake - now called Enrique - was found in a local garden centre kitchen after hitching a ride among cabbages from Spain.

While a tiny snake also travelled back with a couple who had been holidaying in Mexico.