LANESBOROUGH, Mass. -- When Exotic Pet World
store owner Anthony Cormier began cleaning cages Wednesday morning, he quickly
noticed only one Orange-Eyed Crocodile Skink where two previously had been.
"Just upset that somebody took advantage that I wasn't here, and they took
him," said Cormier.
Cormier said the reptile from New Guinea is captive-raised and only gets about
eight to ten inches long. He added that they prefer cool, wet habitats. Because
of their docile nature, taking the tiny lizard was just a simple task of
sliding back the screen and placing him in your pocket.
"It kind of disgusted me because it's a small business, and the guy works
his butt off," said customer Rob Reynolds.
Reynolds heard about the alleged theft through Facebook, and word spread quickly
around Lanesborough and the surrounding area.
Despite the lizard being priced at $180, the owner decided not to inform
police. Cormier said there's no way to know who took him and that he didn't
want to subject his customers to interrogation.
"I think the best thing we can do is put the cameras in and keep the cages
locked from this point on," said Cormier.
Open for just five months, Cormier said this is the first time one of his pets
has been stolen, and he has something to say to whoever has the reptile now.
"I hope you're taking care of him," said Cormier. "And if not,
give him back."
The owners would like to get their lizard back, so if you know where the
Orange-Eyed Crocodile Skink is or wish to return him, you can contact the store
or drop him off no questions asked.
NEWS10 ABC
