Missing Mexican Lizard Found by Dog Named Stella

A large, venomous lizard native to Mexico had been on the loose for months near the Adige river in northern Italy, sparking a search that captivated an entire small town. Locals had nicknamed the reptile Godzilla, reflecting both its size and the mystery surrounding its disappearance.

The situation was finally resolved thanks to an unlikely hero: a small dog named Stella, from the village of Barbona. While out walking with her owners, Stella detected the lizard's scent and alerted them by barking persistently until they investigated further.

The owners subsequently found the reptile nearby, apparently disoriented and unable to find its way back to wherever it had come from. Recognising the potential danger posed by a venomous animal, they refrained from attempting to handle it themselves and instead alerted local authorities and wildlife specialists.

Experts arrived shortly afterwards and managed to capture the lizard safely, without incident. It was then transported to a secure facility, where it will reportedly receive appropriate care. The exact circumstances of how the animal came to be abandoned near the river remain unclear, though its condition suggested it had been struggling to survive in an unfamiliar environment for some time.

News of the successful capture has brought a sense of relief to residents, many of whom had been anxiously following updates about the missing lizard for weeks. Stella, meanwhile, has become something of a local celebrity, with neighbours praising the dog's instincts for bringing the strange saga to a satisfying conclusion.