What is strangest about this story is unclear: a woman kept as a pet a tegu, which is large lizard native to Argentina. Notable for their unusually high intelligence, they are capable of running at high speeds, can run bipedally for short distances, have heavily built skulls with large teeth, and react aggressively if provoked. (We’re talking about the reptile here, not women, and, well, shit, I’ve gone and got myself into a whole heap of trouble with that….)
This reptile is what this woman chose to carry in her handbag for a stroll on March 27. While perhaps a good deterrence against bag snatchers, the lizard had other ideas: it took its first opportunity to leap for freedom, dashing bipedally into Nishibaru Park in Kuhonji, which, fortunately, is close to Kumamoto University Hospital.
Unfortunately for the mini Godzilla, its escape plan entailed hiding in a concrete ditch from which it could not escape.
A passer-by noticed this and called police, presumably saying “There’s an Argentine giant tegu here in need of assistance,” so police set a cage and, eight days later (today), the lizard was caught, apparently none the worse for wear. Police commented, “When walking with large animals, please keep an eye on them” - rather a staid statement considering a woman was strolling around Kuhonji with a large, very active reptile in her handbag. - William
