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Exotic Animals Returned After Stolen Truck Recovered

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- Thieves ended up with more than they bargained for after they stole a truck filled with exotic animals.

Philip Rakoci's truck was stolen. But it wasn't just the vehicle that he lost, it was filled with all his reptiles.

One of the animals is a tortoise named "Stumpy". He lost one of his front legs and is now outfitted with a wheel. Others included a python, rattlesnake and scorpions.

Rakoci is also known as Wildman Phil. He travels to schools giving presentations with the animals.

"Apparently the person, the people still had heart. They left the heater on so the animals could stay warm," said Rakoci.

STOLEN REPTILES MAP
(credit: CBS)

Firefighters noticed the vehicle running on Wednesday on the corner of Tennyson and Quitman Streets in Englewood. When police arrived they found the animals unharmed.

Police are still looking for the thieves. They do not have a suspect description.

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