Hikers in California were stunned to come across a massive invasive lizard — an Argentine tegu — roaming freely in Joseph D. Grant County Park near San José.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, hikers recently spotted the large lizard, prompting park rangers to launch a search and urge the public to remain alert. While Argentine tegus aren’t dangerous to humans, they pose a serious threat to local ecosystems and are not native to the U.S.
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The tegu may have been an escaped pet.
“Please do not go searching for the tegu or trap it,” Santa Clara County Parks warned in a Facebook post. “If you see it, back away safely and notify rangers as soon as possible.”
These lizards can grow up to 5 feet long and are known to feed on the eggs and hatchlings of native animals, including ground-nesting birds, snakes, tortoises, and even alligators.
Why are invasive species a problem?
Humans often introduce invasive species and can wreak havoc on native ecosystems. They reproduce quickly and compete aggressively for food and water, which can disrupt the ecological balance and drive endangered species closer to extinction.
What’s being done?
Efforts to stop the spread of invasive species focus on protecting native habitats and reducing the introduction of non-native plants and animals. In Florida, where tegus are banned, officials are actively trapping and euthanizing the lizards.
“We can slow them down, but we can’t stop them. They’re here and they’re reproducing,” said Kevin Donmoyer, an invasive species biologist at Everglades National Park.
Although tegus are illegal to own or breed in many U.S. states, including Florida, they remain legal in California. If the problem worsens, local lawmakers may consider tightening regulations to prevent further ecological harm.
