A four-foot lizard is on the run in central Maine, sending chills down the spines of Bangor-area residents.
The lizard was spotted in the area of Hillside Ave in Old Town but cops said “its current whereabouts are unknown.”
“Yo wtf imagine walking outside and this mf drags you into the bushes,” said Jairin Soni of Orono.
Police first said they believed it was a Monitor lizard but now think it’s a Tegu.
“Tegus have sharp teeth and claws, and strong jaws,” cops said on their Facebook page. “While not inherently aggressive, they can lash out if they feel threatened.
“If you see it roaming around, don’t approach it and please call the Old Town Police Department.”
Riley Berry on Facebook advised “setting a live trap with hard boiled eggs if you want to catch it.”
“When confronted, a wild tegu initially stops moving with its head held up high, then attempts to flee,” said Gary Allen of Old Town. “It may turn aggressive if cornered, biting and attacking with its tail. In contrast, captive-raised tegus can be docile, intelligent and social with their carers.”
Allen told his Facebook followers that “Tegus are popular in the international pet trade as owners often compare them to dogs due to their loving, casual nature.”
Amanda Danielle Seekins of Searsport, who used to have a Tegu, has this encouraging synopsis:
“Definitely carnivores and can take your hand off when feeding. Will also eat wet cat food. But if tamed can be very much held but if you’re not educated or never handled them please don’t.”
No problem!
Lena The Lizard Lady on Facebook has this advice: “I have owned tegus for MANY years. Do not … I REPEAT.. DO NOT approach it. Unless you are familiar and trained on what to do. These animals can cause rather serious injuries especially to lil ones. When outside their normal surroundings they become very defensive and will lash out for sure.”
