Resident mistakes escaped multi-coloured chameleon for a toy after finding it in back garden

A Rhyl resident had a surprise in their garden, when a rainbow-coloured chameleon they mistook for a toy winked at them.

The stray panther chameleon had - remarkably - settled on a camellia plant in the garden of a Weaver Avenue property in the North Wales town.

A shocked resident mistakenly thought someone had left a toy on the plant - before the multi-coloured chameleon closed one eye.

RSPCA Cymru collected the reptile and it was then transferred to specialist facilities in Herefordshire.

The animal welfare charity has urged anyone with information about who may own the chameleon to contact their inspectorate appeal line.

The chameleon was not microchipped - and the RSPCA say this “unusual rescue” highlights the importance of getting pets identified, and acts a reminder as to the importance of keeping exotic pets in appropriate accommodation.

Inspector Anderton added: “Had this chameleon been microchipped, we could have immediately contacted the owner and reunited them after completing this unusual rescue."

“Exotic pets can be very challenging to look after - and abandoned or escaped exotic pets is a big problem the RSPCA deals with. It's so important owners are aware of how to meet the complex needs of these animals, and provide accommodation that is appropriate, secure and minimises the risk of unplanned escape.