Sarge, an iguana missing from its home since Nov. 5, 2025, is held by the man who found the reptile on Saturday, Nov. 15, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A 4-foot-long iguana that left its home in northwest Cedar Rapids was found outdoors after being missing for 10 days.

“Sarge” was found about 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, by a man walking his dog in Time Check Park, near J Avenue and Sixth Street NW, after escaping its home Nov. 5.

The man who found the reptile didn’t realize anyone was looking for the iguana, but Cedar Rapids Animal Control was contacted. Sarge was reunited with his owner, who reported her pet was unresponsive and she wasn’t sure whether or not it was alive.

Experts note that when an iguana’s body temperature drops significantly, it enters a state of torpor, where bodily functions slow dramatically, allowing the reptile to survive short periods of cold weather. Prolonged exposure to the cold, however, can be fatal.

While Cedar Rapids enjoyed temperatures in the 60s during part of the time Sarge was outside, it dipped below freezing the weekend of Nov. 9-10.

More: Time Check Park playground disappears

“Sarge” was found in Time Check Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)