DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is expanding its reptile response with help from Spock’s Sanctuary, the “largest reptile rescue in the state of Iowa,” KCCI reports.

“I’d say about once a month we get a reptile in, whether it’s an owner surrender or a stray,” said Megan Matamoros, ARL’s director of shelter operations.

Matamoros said the shelter trains its animal control team on how to handle all varieties of pets in need. However, it can be difficult for the team to keep those skills sharp since they are rarely called to trap reptiles, and have them at the shelter to practice with even less often.

Once they are in the ARL’s care, the unique needs of each lizard, snake or amphibian are another hurdle.

“You need specialized UV lighting. You also need a warm are

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