When I see a police car, for some reason, the theme song of the Japanese drama "Odoru Daisosasen" (Bayside Shakedown) pops into my head. Today, I'm here to share a case, but it's not a gruesome murder; instead, it's about a lizard sighting on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture. A resident captured footage of the lizard and reported it to the police, leading to a large-scale operation involving many people. The situation even led to a comical scene where a cat was seen chasing the large lizard.
Last week, a resident on Shodoshima Island unexpectedly spotted a large lizard on the road. Since this species is not native to the area, the resident quickly grabbed their phone to take pictures. The lizard was seen disappearing into a drainage ditch after being photographed. Following the report, local residents, media, and police were mobilized to search for the creature.
Several media outlets consulted with experts, who estimated that the lizard was at least 60 to 70 cm in length and a carnivorous animal. Although it generally does not attack humans, it has strong jaws capable of inflicting serious bites. The police visited the reported location but did not find the lizard. Due to concerns about potential harm to students passing through the area, additional police patrols were deployed.
Over the next few days, there were multiple sightings, and the police set traps in the sewers. Residents were vigilant while walking, and local reporters conducted interviews. Eventually, the lizard appeared on camera, initially seen running out of a thicket, followed by a cat, creating a scene reminiscent of a cat chasing a mouse. Nearby people used a fishing net to try and catch the lizard, but it escaped. Eventually, they managed to trap it using a Styrofoam box.
After capturing the lizard, the police speculated that it was likely abandoned by its owner for unknown reasons. The owner has not been found yet. Japanese netizens found the lizard's desperate run quite adorable and were amused by both the lizard's and the cat's serious efforts. It was impressive that the reporters managed to capture such footage.
