Could this have once been my chameleon? :( Need an expert!

[MantisFTW]

A few months ago, back in July, I came home from work one day to find one of my panther's (Pastal) cage doors wide open with no chameleon inside. I looked and looked, put up flyers, but eventually I determined that he probably wasnt coming back, seeing as now its all the way in October. I assumed, with the Louisiana wildlife, a raccoon, hawk, snake, opossum, or feral cat would likely have gotten him by now.

Today I find that thats exactly what may have happened. I accidentally found this little pile of bones underneath a trailer parked in our driveway. From what I can tell by the size and the shape, it could be from a panther chameleon, but I could also be very wrong.

I could use the input of a veterinarian or someone that knows a lot about chameleon anatomy/bone structure to determine if this was once a panther chameleon. There werent very many bones, just the middle section. I wish I hadnt touched it, because before I did it was actually in place, and touching it made it collapse. I would understand if its too mangled to tell what animal it was. I appreciate any input!

~~WARNING: Graphic. No blood or tissue though, just an old pile of bones. I would add spoiler tags but I couldnt figure out how. ~~
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

 

[NHenn]

I'm sorry to hear about your lost panther. You might be very surprised with his ability to survive in the wild. I've heard stories of people finding their lost chameleon months and even a year later.

As for your pictures, fortunately I can safely say that those are not your chameleon. Chameleon bones, especially the rib cage bones are extremely tiny. If you Google chameleon skeleton you will see a bunch of examples for Veiled chameleons who's bone structure of the body is very similar to that of a Panther.

 

[NHenn]

Photograph was taken by Mark Scherz, http://markscherz.tumblr.com/post/82089973075/reptilefacts-chameleons-are-a-distinctive-and

 

[MantisFTW]

Oh wow, you're right, those bones are very thin. Almost wire or hair-like. I wonder what animal this could have come from, then...


But im relieved to know that its not my chameleon. There is still a chance he could be out there somewhere. I get worried though knowing that winter is getting close. Last year we had a big ice storm.