Leopard gecko found near Purdue campus; tan with spots
Description
I found this leopard gecko this afternoon around 3:15 pm outside the Purdue Memorial Union on State Street in West Lafayette. It’s about 4-5 inches from snout to tail, sandy tan with irregular brown spots along the back, and a yellowish tail that’s a bit plump. It has a slightly kinked tail and a tiny scar on its left front toe I noticed when I picked it up to check it wasn’t injured. It seems pretty calm, which makes me think it’s a pet rather than wild. It clearly belongs to someone, I’d hate for it to wander off further. If you recognize it, drop me a note here and I’ll help connect you with the owner.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.