Missing bearded dragon is back with his owners after incredibly surviving for three months outdoors in Milton Keynes

But the outcome has still left experts baffled as to how a tropical creature could have survived in the wilds of MK for so long.

Hefty family pet Wladek went missing from his home in Pennylands on August 9, during the height of summer.

His owner of five years, Lidia Rolska, searched the surrounding areas for him in vain and, as the weeks ticked by, had given up hope of him coming home.

Then, earlier this month, the RSPCA reported a large bearded dragon had been found in tip-top condition, roaming a footpath on Pennylands .They put out a photograph and an appeal for the owner.

Overjoyed Lidia and her children recognised their tame 50cm long Wladek immediately from the photo and called to claim him, sending photos of him in her home and with her children.

She gave the RSPCA a full description of the missing pet, right down to his one curly toe and a dent on his nose.

But to her surprise the RSPCA did not believe it was the same dragon, saying it was impossible Wladek could still be alive and in such good condition after so many weeks out in the cold, fending for himself,

They refused to let Lidia even see the found dragon and, after a few days, announced he had been rehomed.

The distraught mum of three contacted the Citizen to ask if there was anything we could do to get Wladek back. We contacted the RSPCA and sent more photos, pointing out the striking similarities between Wladek and the foootpath dragon.

But still the charity refused to budge. A spokesperson told us: "Our experts have double-checked and the bearded dragon which was recently discovered does not resemble the description given to us of the beardie who was lost in August, who had some distinctive features. We are therefore satisfied that they are not the same animal."

She added: "Also the bearded dragon in our care was in a very good condition and so we do not think the animal had been outside for two months as these animals are native to Australia so would have needed a higher-temperature environment, shelter and an appropriate diet in order to stay healthy.

"If a bearded dragon becomes too cold they may be unable to feed or move normally and their immune system will not work properly to fight disease, meaning the animal would likely become very ill."

But Lidia insisted Wladek was a dragon who often shunned the normal vivarium temperatures of up top 93 degrees centigrade. Instead he sought out cool places in the house, where he had always been allowed to roam freely.

She also pointed out that the creatures survive on bugs, and there would be a plethora of these in wooded and grassy areas around the estate.

The Citizen went back to the RSPCA last week, and asked them if Lidia and her family could meet up with the dragon to discover conclusively whether he was their Wladek.

We asked: "How many bearded dragons of this size can possibly go missing in this small area of MK?"

The spokesperson's reply was: "Pet bearded dragons are very common these days so it wouldn't be particularly surprising for there to be at least two in the same area.. And sadly, we are told that there is very little chance that a beardie lost in August could have survived outside for so long. Even if it did, he would be in terrible condition, whereas this recently found animal was in excellent condition."

But a few days later, the RSPCA had a change of heart and more photos were exchanged. Eventually they conceded that Lidia was right.

Wladek was removed from his new owners and today was brought back to Pennylands for a joyful reunion and cuddles with his family.

"He's back! He is back home where he belongs," said Lidia. "He has lost weight but he is fine.We are so thrilled to have him back."

She added: "i want to say thank you to the Citizen. Without you we would never have got him home."

Wladek went missing after the family's car was broken into overnight in August.

"In all the confusion, we left the front door open and he was gone. We'll be keeping it firmly closed now!" said Lidia.

Bearded dragons originate from inland Australia, where they can be found in arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and the open woodland. Ideally an adult bearded dragon should be kept at a temperature of between 90°F and 93°F, with a cooler area of 80°F.

An RSPCA spokesman said this afternoon: "After examining fresh evidence in the form of much clearer photographs and a far more detailed description, we are pleased to confirm that the stray bearded dragon found recently is the same pet that was lost in August. The family who recently adopted him have kindly agreed to hand him over to the original owner."