Invasive creature spotted by hikers at California park spurs search, rangers say

An invasive creature native to South America has been spotted at a Northern California park, prompting a search, rangers reported.

Hikers found an Argentine black and white tegu at Joseph D. Grant County Park, Santa Clara County Parks said Friday, June 6, on Facebook.

The hikers took photos of the lizard and reported it to park rangers, officials said.

“These lizards are not native to the area and tend to eat bird eggs, small birds, small lizards, and various small mammals and invertebrates,” rangers said.

Argentine black and white tegus can reach up to 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.

“They are docile so they won’t harm people, but they do not belong in county parks,” California rangers said.

In a follow-up post June 7, officials said rangers are actively searching for the creature.

“Please do not go searching for the tegu or trap it,” rangers said. “If you see it, back away safely and notify rangers as soon as possible.”

Several people commenting on the post suggested the lizard may have been an escaped or abandoned exotic pet.

“Poor guy, I hope he escaped and wasn’t dumped,” read one comment.

Rangers ask anyone who spots the tegu to call 408-274-6121.

The 10,882-acre park is located in the foothills, park officials said.

This story was originally published June 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM with the headline "Invasive creature spotted by hikers at California park spurs search, rangers say."