Colorful Chameleon Found in California Neighborhood || ViralHog

Occurred on October 11, 2021 / Carlsbad, California, USA
"We do snake relocation in San Diego, California, and respond to 3-5 calls per day. This particular day was very different. The caller said he had a strange lizard and asked if I would come remove it. Upon my arrival to his home, I discovered what he had was a Panther Chameleon, bright colored and looking more like a bag of skittles candy than a reptile. I quickly knew this was no normal call. Panther Chameleons are native only to Madagascar, so I knew it had to be someone’s escaped pet. I wasn't at all sure how he would react to me so I was cautious. I know these animals can bite. I reached down to gauge his temperament, and he quickly climbed up my arm across my shoulder, up my face, and perched atop my hat. He was amazing. We are still trying to find out who and where "Max" came from but in the meantime, we are taking great care of him. If Max isn’t claimed we plan to be his new family."
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[@zeusathena26]

Beautiful! Luckily this little guy was found, before he died since he's obviously a pet.

[@ITech2005]

It was definitely a pet

[@zeusathena26]

@@ITech2005 I was sure it was. No wild critter will just climb up your arm.

[@sionnachdensolas9787]

@@zeusathena26 there arent wild chameleons in California lol

[@zeusathena26]

@@sionnachdensolas9787 just because it's not native to the area, doesn't mean it's a pet that likes people. Someone could've released a dozen twenty years ago, & now they thrive there for all I know. As what's happened with iguanas in Florida. They are such a problem, you can hunt, kill, & eat the iguanas. You shouldn't make fun of someone online.

[@Alisha8596]

@@zeusathena26 your exactly right, years and years ago 10 Jackson chameleons escaped a private collection in California and you can still find them there to this day. I'm guessing this one might be a lost/escaped pet just becuase its very comfortable climbing up on him and his colors indicate he's scared (or mad but if it were a mad wild chameleon I don't think it would be so friendly) but it definitely could be a wild chameleon who is just somewhat friendly 🤷‍♀️

[@onik6512]

The Chameleon got right up to his ear and whispered "I've been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty"

[@Armann_]

LOL ✍️👐 Edit: -Free _real_ estate.

[@shizukagozen777]

😂😂😂

[@marytownsend1978]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@debbiewatkins7488]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@faithcastillo9597]

BAhahahahaaa 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jcreek201]

“Oh you’re not even gonna bite me!” *Immediately charges towards throat*

[@TheFreshSoundsFlorida]

🤣🤣🤣

[@springfield197]

And they never heard from him again that’s why the video cut off at that exact moment

[@xt4lord770]

Lol

[@jdizzy5076]

😂😂😂😂

[@zinozee8929]

My 72 year old neighbour has studied reptiles his whole life but hasn’t had the opportunity to see as many as he would have liked to before becoming ill in his 40s. I showed him this video today and he watched it over and over. He said thank you to me like I brought him this lizard to him personally. The internet really is a wonderful thing. Thanks to whoever uploaded this!

[@jerrysmith520]

That's awsome

[@zinozee8929]

@@jerrysmith520 I know!! His face was priceless!!!

[@adrienneadams7758]

Elderly people see the internet as a gift and I think that’s so beautiful

[@zinozee8929]

@@adrienneadams7758 I know. I have the pleasure of talking to elderly customers in my job and I’ve known some for years. It’s great to hear them telling us that they’ve just got off a video call to their grand babies who are in other parts of the country and in some cases, abroad. It’s nice to know that communication is so open and if one app doesn’t work, they can still use another to contact loved ones. Also I noticed elderly people LOVE Facebook and love to complain about how bad the internet is lol.

[@MoinKhan-rc7ns]

@@jerrysmith520 lqq Pqqq

[@thecybercookie9424]

The way he just casually started walking on his arm is absolutely adorable :3

[@chanagurl215]

He started crawling for the man as soon as he seen him

[@roseabee7503]

@@chanagurl215 I noticed that too. Makes me think that he may have been a beloved pet that someone's jaded lover/ex put out.

[@bearmouse1000]

Chameleons by nature always wanna find something to climb up so this guy gave him exactly what he wanted haha

[@ninij7219]

@Blue Plumbob chameleons really don’t like to be touched or picked up, he looks like he was abandoned just by how comfortable he was climbing the man & he didn’t stare climbing til the man got closer

[@debrawillier4930]

I was BLOWN away from the moment I saw this chameleon!! 2BH, I thought it was totally fake @ 1st glance. He was just Too vibrant, & Too shiny (great skin), Too chunky or chubby (great weight), just TOO every- thing. W/out a doubt, THE most GORGEOUS lizard I have ever seen (even the pics in books)!! Kamoto Dragons run a close 2nd, just bc of their sheer FORCE of nature. Thanx 4 showing & sharing😊.

[@Armann_]

That is a VERY beautiful lizard. Keep it alive until you guys find the owner. If it’s not _missing_ you found something special.

[@TheBlinked1]

Nigga that shit gone.

[@juneberry1982]

They wrote in the description that if they couldn't find the owner they would keep him themselves. They already named him Max.

[@b.cordero9223]

Yeah

[@redhawkrobin]

Lizard? Isn't this a camelion?

[@MiniKawaiiWorld1]

Omg he is beautiful...purely gorgeous and 1 of the many beauties God created!!!

[@TheDebs32348]

I'd say as gentle as it is and seemingly used to people he was a pet that made the great escape. He's gorgeous.

[@Ren602]

Yeah he seems so friendly and with the way he crawled up his arm he’s definitely familiar with humans wonder who’s missing the little guy

[@Anthony.and.Bigsis]

Haha yes

[@whitestguyuknow]

I've had 2 and they are *extremely* costly and time consuming to take care of. You would be shocked how much crickets cost. Anyways, people are notorious for letting them go into the wild. There's a part of the everglades well known for having a bunch of chameleons out there from possibly a breeder or someone that have been released and now breed and live out there

[@RuthEsther-nn6qe]

He's a christmas colored super lizard~!

[@mr.turtlesaysno]

He looks very healthy, must've been well taken care of. That's an escaped chameleon, ain't no way an owner would care that much for it and just let it go.

[@jd8269]

Lizard: target is unsuspecting, going in for the neck

[@LazzarrusLong]

Ha! 🤪

[@laurs3805]

Hahaha!! 🤣

[@susandilts5389]

Oh no! Lol

[@gawd3mo681]

That was def a pet that escaped. His temperament and how comfortable he was just crawling up ya arm says alot

[@user-yq6px1wx5e]

That makes a lot of sense

[@katelynsillysquirrel3223]

@@user-yq6px1wx5e not everyone loves Ambar 😂

[@user-yq6px1wx5e]

@@katelynsillysquirrel3223 pretty funny though huh lol

[@santimeek5063]

And he’s only native to Madagascar

[@jaystreet46]

Not to mention the fact that they’re not indigenous to California…

[@MoliminousTheater]

Wow those colors really pop! I love how his little eyes are just looking all over the place.

[@SuixdeCity]

Omg stop

[@TOMTHEFWOX]

I see you everywhere in comments, well its nice to see you again :)

[@aimee241]

I love his little HANDS (The chameleon, not the man)

[@roachraider6169]

Ikr, their two little fingers trying to slowly grab things is just down right adorable.

[@obsidianbeau4087]

They look like tiny mittens.

[@MB-sj2yu]

No you mean the man don’t lie

[@RavenFeathers90]

Thanks for the clarification. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Bunny-ns5ni]

That's a panther chameleon. They're pretty rare to find without a high price tag, let alone walking around a yard Edit: yes, it's definitely an escaped/released pet. They're only native to Madagascar, although introduced populations exist in a very small area of Florida. These are a dream pet for many reptile hobbyists, due to their coloration, but they are very difficult to care for.

[@abilaidamiguel]

That's a released animal tho, they ain't from California last time I checked

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

Someone's missing a very expensive pet

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

@@abilaidamiguel I have a feeling it's probably an escapee

[@abilaidamiguel]

@@UlexiteTVStoneLexite unfortunately it's quite common for inexperienced reptile owners to release their pets. Especially owners who buy reptiles that require expert level care (chameleons should never be owned by beginner reptile owners).

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

@@abilaidamiguel for the price tag that this guy would have I find that much less likely. Someone could easily sell this guy and get their money back. I find it more likely that someone was careless and wasn't paying attention for this lizard specifically. A panther chameleon of that coloration is not cheap. He is definitely a high quality one

[@Nanamowa]

I was actually more impressed with the containers ability to keep the chameleon inside. They're such great climbers, it's funny that he couldn't get out.

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

They're actually not good climbers at all unless they have a stick. It's like trying to ask a rock climber to climb with mittens. Their hands are specifically designed to grasp sticks and not much more. That box would be impossible for them to get out of.

[@partysuvius]

Yeah, smooth plastic is impossible for most critters to crawl up. Ants are one of the exclusions, so any owners have to add an even more slippery material to glass and plastic, like baby powder, to prevent ants from escaping. I love watching spiders dance when they try to crawl up the side of a cup lol

[@zacsdiyreptiles7146]

If they can't touch it with claws or tail they won't attempt it

[@njoythesilence1980]

If he was found crawling around the neighborhood he was probably lost, tired and felt safe enough to wait and see if he knew the next human that came around.

[@Bananapeelz098]

Your thinking of geckos 🙂

[@CptGojira2439]

He’s like “You got any FLIES?”

[@monstwapushin2295]

It’s gorgeous! I’m not really a fan of reptiles but for that little colorful dude it won my heart!

[@wendyhaase4401]

I've never seen a chameleon look like that ever but even in a picture he's gorgeous

[@toxictripp]

Panther chameleons are the ones that look like this

[@smoothsnailing2161]

Yes they’re rare selective bred and for many reptile lovers dreams. Let alone being VERY expensive

[@stuartbroad227]

Someone's pet

[@juliuspronk7532]

He must be someone’s pet for how friendly and active he was

[@dreaming-of-spots6805]

What a healthy boy! A lot of the time loose chameleons (or even pet ones) wind up scrawny and dull, but man this guy is chunky and full of life! It's nice to see.

[@MB-sj2yu]

Recently loose, that thing wouldn’t last more then 2 days with attracting attention

[@VincentGonzalezVeg]

@@MB-sj2yu I'm in Cali & hawks are flying into trees to grab a meal like a fast food I watched it in front of me in a home that I grew up in & this dude like the hawk was within 10 ft of me before swooping, standing on the unpainted wooden fence

[@drewparcel1727]

Panther Chameleon’s are really cool. They have some of the most vibrant colors of all Chameleon’s. They usually don’t like being held. It’s cool how tame he was. You found a friend there, enjoy!

[@norainnoflowers1551]

gorgeous little guy! Definitely a released or escaped pet. Even so I’m glad he ended up in good hands. Chameleons are gorgeous but can be very tricky to care for in captivity! they have several specific environmental and dietary needs that a lot of people don’t do enough reading on before deciding to purchase one.

[@wickedworld5500]

I hear that, I had two leopard geckos and a bearded dragon had thought about getting a gecko but there’s so many things that lead that thing to death!!! It’s too hot, it’s too cold, not enough attention, too much attention, I just thought to myself they die for too many things I shall wait for a later time 😂😅

[@fruitgum9619]

Right! I mean, people can't even treat their dogs properly 🤦🏻‍♀️ it's sad

[@chicofromph33nix64]

That chameleon was well taken care of.. I'm sure it escaped from its care takers recently...

[@earlinejackson8151]

I just have a thing for chameleons, and lizards too.

[@onemanbanjo975]

“Today I get a call today” priceless.

[@mamarobyn]

I love how the homeowner is just talking to him like he doesn't realize hes filming lol...

[@dannydethanos6994]

Chameleons are so sweet mine would just sit on my shoulder and stroke my hair sometimes he would climb it but mostly just liked the feeling it’s nice to be pet by your pet.

[@nicolenielsen311]

That's cute :)

[@macklinillustration]

Had a parakeet that would groom my hair for me. He generally made it knotty but he thought he was helping & was happy doing it.

[@aquabluerose7734]

@@macklinillustration aww

[@HumptyDumper]

“Today I get a call today” My brain on 3 hours of sleep

[@onepuppetboi4035]

I actually had the same thing happen to me years ago. My step father at the time found him crossing the road. The street name was Banner so we named him after the road!

[@krypticviper1613]

100% a pet that thing is SUPER friendly

[@funnyusername8635]

I absolutely need a follow up on Max!

[@Max_Power_007]

Hello 👋

[@funnyusername8635]

@@Max_Power_007 Hi!

[@mishellekarn5260]

I need a follow up too!

[@7Bandit7]

I’ve never seen one so full of color, like it was just painted on.

[@livelongandprosper70]

A chameleon will go as bright as possible when stressed in an environment where it cannot "adapt" its colour to.

[@kacimcinnis7592]

I believe this is actually a panther chameleon

[@livelongandprosper70]

@@kacimcinnis7592 panthers are pretty much the same as any chameleon, just a little more docile but strangely more territorial.

[@WarLambShofars]

See how awesome God is

[@crossfirearena2194]

@@kacimcinnis7592 correct. I had one of these a while back. Thats definitely what it is

[@happy-pk6nk]

I never noticed how animated chameleons look, it almost looks like a cartoon

[@LISE_NR]

the coolest experience i’ve ever had with wildlife was on the big island in hawaii. there are these trees called ice cream bean trees that these little guys like to hang out in. i saw two chameleons on the same branch and i put my arm out as sort of an extension of the branch to see what they would do and if you would believe it, one just climbed right onto me and chilled there for a minute like it was nothing. it was in a very remote place so i rly doubt it was a released pet or anything, i have no idea how it was so bold. one of the most surreal experiences i’ve had.

[@munchiis2486]

That's so cool!!!!

[@juneberry1982]

You should call him Skittles instead of Max. 😁 I hope you can locate his family. 💖

[@jomama5186]

Skittles is the perfect name!

[@Max_Power_007]

What’s wrong with Max?! 🤬

[@juneberry1982]

@Adrian Wilson exactly!

[@shizukagozen777]

@@Max_Power_007 🤣🤣🤣

[@juneberry1982]

@@Max_Power_007 you have a *power* -ful name, just not a colorful one. 😉😁

[@pikaers]

It’s like the chameleon knew an ally showed up wtf

[@Henry-ij7rd]

Normally I don't like lizards, but he is flicking gorgeous

[@MO_SPEKTRE]

That chameleon looks like its in the Christmas spirit

[@theslimiestfiberlog647]

Definitely someone’s pet, wild chameleons are NOWHERE near that docile, just watch one in pet shop…if they don’t like you they’ll let you know

[@zacsdiyreptiles7146]

It's veiled that are the worst

[@PurpleFlavorAid]

@@zacsdiyreptiles7146 lies. Where did you hear that dumb shit from

[@zacsdiyreptiles7146]

@@PurpleFlavorAid owing them

[@PurpleFlavorAid]

@@zacsdiyreptiles7146 you point out veiled chameleons as if they are any different from the rest. Any chameleon or lizard for that matter will bite if it feels threatened or doesn’t like you.

[@torquess454]

Gorgeous! Can’t believe he’s still alive!!

[@WitheredBonnieOFFICIALyt]

That’s so beautiful! You’re great with animals and you inspire me a lot on my farm! Thank you :)

[@sergioaracena439]

Cuteness overload

[@laurahess3417]

Gorgeous chameleon! I hope it ends up in a safe home.

[@maddg7471]

The Chameleon whispered “no sir I’m not kidding you.” Shortly after he ended the video.

[@FelisThis]

Absolutely stunning. My chameleon is stunning as well. I hope he took him home to give him good home and love him forever. ❤ 🦎

[@lillietyler108]

NOT MY ASS THINKING IT WAS A TURTLE BUT BEAUTIFUL

[@taylorstorrs5360]

Poor little guy either being lost or dumped. Please give him a good home❣️

[@ZHExotics]

Considering how healthy he looks, I think it's safe to say he escaped

[@missw8700]

Wow he is beautiful!! What happened to it?

[@johnflowers2736]

Someone let that Poor Panther Chameleon go. I'm glad it was found.

[@Bob-ft3ms]

Normal people : woah I've never seen such beauty! Me : oh I thought pokemons never even existed?

[@Kymberly737]

Beautiful 🥰

[@lisawheeler9013]

That has to be the most beautiful reptile on the planet! I've never seen anything so pretty. I hope he/she gets a good home

[@romanthomas2748]

I feel the same, it's beautiful and a sweetheart . Happy new home or back home. Either way good luck gorgeous.

[@jasjeetsingh1401]

*Proceeds to explore pants and create problems

[@janesajenkins3246]

That is someones lost pet. He looks healthy and friendly.

[@trblcleft]

I would have kept it what a beautiful chameleon

[@patriciaowens3479]

I have NEVER seen such a beautiful lizard in my whole life. He'll probably end up being somebody's pet.

[@RUGERJONES]

I think he was a pet. I bet there is a very upset family somewhere looking for him. I dont even like reptiles neccesarily and I would keep him. He came towards that guy as soon as he walked over usually wild animals will do the opposite. Cool video either way.

[@nicolasducharme8144]

Dude I got chills he was so pretty . Vibrant colors

[@Reed_0v0_]

That chameleon was beautiful, I hope who's ever it was was reunited with their owner :)

[@P.Subaeruginosa]

They don't usually flare up like that unless they're calm and feel no danger.

[@I_am_BiG_Al]

Flare up? They were his normal colours, if he felt threatened he would turn different colours like black and yellow

[@kacimcinnis7592]

This is a panther chameleon, they are the brightest colored chameleons this is not a sign of stress for him

[@MythKatana]

If it was stressed their chin would puff out and opening their mouth it's called gaping

[@steam6200]

Love how the chameleon instantly tried going for the cameraman when he got close enough

[@zacsdiyreptiles7146]

Because it wants out of the box and go to higher safer ground

[@legok6037]

Wow they’re gorgeous! Hope they found their forever home after this :)

[@merissajones1771]

OMG soooo gorgeous! I love Panther Chameleons 😍

[@jerryhammack1318]

Beautiful chameleon! 😍 that baby got out or was dumped off! They are usually owner specific ! Very well kept! I pray that it gets back to its owner or a very good new owner!

[@philsmith214]

Nature at its finest

[@SpeakUrMindShareUrWords]

That’s an EXTRAORDINARILY GORGEOUS little one.

[@prezzie1]

That is absolutely one of the most stunning creatures i have ever seen. The colours are just wow

[@britt1784]

It’s gorgeous! A tapestry of color! 😍

[@1TalldrinkH2O]

Someone on missing that beautiful animal.

[@naughtyfr6110]

You can tell he someone pet he didn’t try biting you and climbed str8 up your arm

[@WiseWordsbyWiki]

Pet chameleons: will die if you look at them funny This dude: chilling in suburba

[@deenanthekemoni5567]

An incredible creature. I hope he was reunited with his loved ones. ❤️

[@Jay-fk1kw]

That's a Panther Chameleon

[@henrytoledo4103]

Thanks for the info. You think it it escaped or was let go?, how much $$ do they go for? Just wondering

[@PetsHobbiesAndLandscaping14]

We just bought a juvenile for around $300, someone must be missing their very expensive pet

[@HeyLookThatsMe]

Please tell me I wasn't the only one confused when he let it crawl up his arm because they thought it was poisonous or venomous

[@Yuckfou321]

Someone lost a beautiful pet . You are lucky. If no one claims him, you have just been blessed.

[@AnAnt44]

I believe that chameleon is a panther chameleon. They are truly beautiful reptiles!

[@ario203ita5]

His colors are very saturated = he's extremely stressed

[@romanthomas2748]

I'm not surprised. Poor little thing.

[@MythKatana]

He would be gaping if you breed the right chameleons their resting colors will be extremely vibrant think about baloo from reptilian garden

[@normacunningham8913]

That is a gorgeous panther.

[@chloesoutdoorlife6294]

He was like “hey bro are you here to pick me up?”

[@Sweetsrananglobione]

What a beauty 😍

[@cottoncandyfriends8933]

She's beautiful! Just spectacular!

[@sciencevids1101]

If you had read the bio you would know his name is Max lol. 😂

[@TheBlinked1]

_"I went out of my way to proclaim its a female even though that's contrary to all evidence!!!"...I'm an idiot!!!"_

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

@@TheBlinked1 1) not necessary to be rude, 2) it's a lizard, I don't think it will care what sex you call it.

[@knotzed]

Omg those colors make me tear up! The colors are so beautiful!

[@llamosita2004]

He looks gorgeous,

[@soulstarmusiclover1254]

I don't like snakes or lizards anything that slithers but his color is magnificent

[@DJS3]

Wow!!! 😃 He'd definitely be a new pet if I found him! Nature can be so wonderfully colourful. 🦎👍

[@chooqi7]

He's like: What took you so long? I was starting to turn blue

[@megantauriainen2777]

He's so beautiful,I love the colors he has 🥰

[@beckyjo8745]

I would have brought that right inside my house and kept it!!! So pretty!!!

[@Will_b83]

Somone lost a beautiful little fella...I'm glad someone found him.

[@clintonkildepsteen3982]

That little guy helped save me 15% on my car insurance

[@pizzapartyman]

So nobody is going to talk about Patrick chilling in the driveway

[@ivalorraine841]

Absolutely Beautiful😍

[@prolly2stoned420]

I love how they just causally live outside in Florida. People released this little guy and he doesn’t even care. If you did that up north he would be an icicle hanging from a tree 😂😂

[@whitestguyuknow]

Title says California. But yes people do that here in Florida too all the time

[@DovahkiinLive]

He's like "Dad?"

[@mrr-ee6ui]

he ain’t biting he’s thanking you for freeing him

[@lizardchosimbastedanko5195]

Everyone: how cute Chameleon: SO MUCH STRESS HELP ME!

[@nickdole8535]

They don’t turn bright red like that unless they’re fairly happy/ having a good time. Must’ve escaped from a shit owner. They are camouflaged if they are stressed or in danger. Not bright red…

[@jacksonbuck6767]

Woooooow, it’s actually so fucking cool. The colors are so vibrant holy shit

[@dirtynewyorker4542]

He just crawled on his arm like it's nothing

[@donnamarie7729]

Thats is a gorgeous lizard, the colors are absolutely beautiful 💙❤

[@kylewilliamson860]

That’s absolutely the most beautiful chameleon I’ve ever seen!!!

[@cottoncandyfriends8933]

In my opinion, please don't cut me down now...be nice, lol, God is the best artist there ever has been, and ever will be. Aren't those colors beautiful? SPECTACULAR! TY Lord. Have a good night. 💜💜💜

[@LifeIsASideQuest]

god's not real tho

[@OlgaLopez-sl2in]

Yes!!💯👍🏻❤💜💙 God Almighty really does make everything so spectacular. 🙌 Its amazing to see the wonderful hand of God's creation! Absolutely love our creator's beautiful colors and patterns of this world. 💯👍🏻😉💫✊🌺🌿

[@LifeIsASideQuest]

@@OlgaLopez-sl2in ur delusional

[@smallfootprint2961]

@@LifeIsASideQuest ... Think of God as nature, then tell me it's not real.

[@LifeIsASideQuest]

@@smallfootprint2961 it's not real

[@ninefingerjack]

Love how the dude perfectly encapsulates a California pest control guy. Badass but a fucking sweetheart. Love you man. Get it

[@swmtothemoon6660]

What a beautiful Panther!! Someone must have lost it. Thank you for saving it!