An escaped Argentine tegu has been discovered “safe and sound” in a park in Santa Clara County, northern California.
The large invasive black and white lizard, native to South America, was discovered in Joseph D. Grant County Park earlier in June, according to The Sacramento Bee. Park rangers then conducted a five-day search for the reptile, posting numerous updates on Facebook.
Santa Clara County Parks announced on June 7 that a “group of hikers” first spotted the monochrome tegu and shared photos of it. According to the post, “non-native” reptiles typically feed on “bird eggs, small birds, small lizards, and various small mammals and invertebrates.”
Rangers assured park-goers that tegus are generally “docile,” but added that they “do not belong in county parks,” so anyone who saw the animal should notify department staff.
A subsequent update on June 7 urged the public not to hunt or trap the tegu, noting that “park rangers are actively conducting foot patrols around Grant Lake to locate it.”
Meanwhile, on June 11, the search continued, with a Facebook update stating that park rangers were “working collaboratively with state and local agencies to locate and safely remove the tegu.”
Finally, on June 12, Santa Clara County Parks announced on Facebook that officials had located the tegu on the dam at Grant Lake in Joseph D. Grant County Park. Rangers also stated that the reptile had been “safely” captured.
“If no rightful owner claims the tegu, Santa Clara County Animal Services will hold the reptile until adoption. “The Department is overjoyed that the tegu was discovered safe and sound and is on its way to finding a home,” the post concluded.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, tegus can grow to be 4 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds. The agency also stated that the reptiles generally carry Salmonella bacteria and pose a threat to wildlife.
Joseph D. Grant County Park covers 10,882 acres and is located approximately 60 miles southeast of San Francisco.
