Voldemort (the lizard, not the wizard) is an escape artist.
The blue-tongue skink, native to Australia, made his break approximately three months ago from an aquarium at his Wellington North Township home. His owners searched for him without success.
On Sept. 15 at around 10:10pm, Wellington County OPP received a call to attend a home on Wellington Road 7 in Mapleton Township, where the blue-tongue skink had been spotted.
Police say the home owner purchased a used electric fireplace online from a Wellington North Township home approximately two months ago.
It appears the skink had been hiding in the fireplace and went along for the ride.
Police say the homeowner had noticed her dogs were behaving strangely and food was missing, but assumed the growing grandchildren were responsible.
The lizard was placed in an aquarium by a family member and the previous owner of the fireplace was contacted on the assumption the lizard was their family pet.
The skink and his owners were reunited that evening.
Police made a follow up call the next day to Voldemort’s family members, who reported he is happy to be home and appears healthy.
OPP note this type of skink is non-poisonous and does not pose a threat to any person or animal.
