I think this is a Gecko?

[andwhite1]

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Caught this guy at work running in front of me. I am thinking he came in on one of the building houseplants. I am unsure what to do with him. I do no think I can let him go outside since it is already cold. Any ideas what I should do with him (besides keep him). Thanks!

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[Aimless]

OK, definitely not a gecko. it's a lizard. I'm not sure of the species or if it's native to Illinois, it may have hitched in on a plant. if he's native, he should absolutely be released. if he's not native, he'll need proper care for his species.

identifying him is top priority.

[Aimless]

OK I consulted herp experts from Chicago. it's a baby Brown Anole. it's native to the Bahamas and Cuba, and is invasive in parts of the southeastern US. it's definitely not something you should release.

I would google their care for advice. it's my understanding that anoles are pretty easy to keep, but they do have lighting, heating, and food specificities that you'll want to consider.

[andwhite1]

Thanks for the help. That is def it. My kids will be thrilled, sigh :-/ Lucky me. Have been reading up on their care. Is there somewhere i can get a couple more. Everything I read says they are communal so it is nicer for them to have a couple friends. 1 male to 3 females or 3 females.

I guess one question if I do this. The males are pretty cool. It would be neat to have one male too. But I don't want babies running around. Do the babies really make it in captivity? Maybe I will just stick with females ha.

[Aimless]

if you're worried about babies, wait until he's a subadult before getting any more.

you can find them at box pet stores and sometimes smaller pet stores. often they're wild caught and might harbor parasites (just like the one you have, unfortunately).

[acpart]

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I "adopted" a brown anole 3 years ago after he appeared in someone's grasses that they got from Florida. I had him in a 12x12x18" Exo-terra enclosure (they are arboreal so they like a tall enclosure) with plenty of plants and hiding places. I used a full spectrum light for UVB which I changed every 6 months and a xenon puck light (the kind you put in your kitchen) for a basking space. I fed him small (1/4") crickets that I dusted with calcium. I had him for more than 2 years. He developed a tumor on his back (and I couldn't really catch him to take him to the vet) and eventually died.)
For additional info google "brown anole care" and you'll get more info.

Aliza