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Big lizard chased from chicken coop by dog takes refuge on dog's back

Gould's goanna, Varanus gouldii, head of a young goanna. Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. (Photo by: Auscape/UIG via Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Credit: Getty Images

Gould's goanna, Varanus gouldii, head of a young goanna. Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. (Photo by: Auscape/UIG via Getty Images)
By Joy Johnston
Feb 9, 2017

An Australian family’s dog was just trying to do its job when it chased a large lizard away from the chicken coop. The would-be egg thief made an unusual pit stop before making its escape.

The goanna, a type of monitor lizard, hitched a ride on the dog’s back.

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Bev Stefanidakis told 9News that the goanna clung to her dog Bella's back for about 10 minutes. Since Bella didn't appear to be in distress, Stefanidakis was able to capture video of the bizarre incident before Bella sat down and the lizard took off.

While Stefanidakis said the goannas have been caught before trying to steal chicken eggs, this is the first time one has been bold enough to jump on her dog’s back.

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