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Tegu lizard mistaken for iguana captured on Long Island
A Long Island homeowner got quite the surprise after mistaking a large reptile for an iguana in their yard.
NEW YORK - A Long Island homeowner got quite the surprise after mistaking a large reptile for an iguana in their yard.
According to Strong Island Animal Rescue, the team responded to the call only to discover the reptile wasn’t an iguana at all — it was a Tegu, a species of large lizard not native to the area.
Video shared by the rescue group shows the startled black-and-white Tegu scurrying away into the bushes, its long tail whipping behind as rescuers closed in. The animal darted quickly, clearly in survival mode, before being safely contained.
"Tegus are known to eat small birds and rodents, along with insects, fruits, and vegetables," the group explained. "His caretaker Lisa has tamed him down, and we are sure he was only being aggressive since he was scared and in survival mode."
Rescuers said the Tegu is now in a safe environment where it is being cared for properly.
The Source: This report is based on information from Strong Island Animal Rescue.