Invasive Lizard from a Continent Away Found Hiking in California Park
A black-and-white tegu lizard was spotted in Joseph D. Grant County Park in Santa Clara County on June 7 by a group of hikers
Rangers then undertook a five-day search for the animal, which is native to South America
On Thursday, June 12, Santa Clara County Parks shared on Facebook that the animal had been located and captured "safe and sound"An escaped Argentine tegu has been found "safe and sound" in a park in Santa Clara County, Northern California.
The large invasive black and white lizard, which is native to South America, was first spotted in Joseph D. Grant County Park earlier in June, reported The Sacramento Bee. Park rangers then undertook a five-day search for the reptile, sharing numerous updates about their quest via Facebook.
Santa Clara County Parks posted on June 7 that a "group of hikers" had initially seen the monochrome tegu and shared some snaps of the creature. The post added that the "non-native" reptiles generally eat "bird eggs, small birds, small lizards, and various small mammals and invertebrates."
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Rangers assured park-goers that tegus are generally "docile" but added that they "do not belong in county parks," so they urged anyone who spotted the animal to tell department staff.
A subsequent update on June 7 urged the public not to hunt the tegu or try to trap it, adding that "park rangers are actively conducting foot patrols around Grant Lake to locate it."
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Meanwhile, on June 11, the search was still ongoing, with a Facebook update noting 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 shared on Facebook that officials located the tegu on the dam at Grant Lake in Joseph D. Grant County Park. Rangers added that the reptile had been 'safely' captured.
'The tegu will be held by Santa Clara County Animal Services pending adoption should no rightful owner claim the reptile. The Department is thrilled that the tegu was found safe and sound and is on its way to finding a home,' the post concluded.
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According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, tegus can grow to 4 feet long and weigh as much as 10 lbs. The agency added that the reptiles generally carry Salmonella bacteria and are a threat to wildlife.
Joseph D. Grant County Park covers 10,882 acres and is about 60 miles southeast of San Francisco.
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The transition to a toddler bed or a big kid mattress is exciting and even a little bittersweet. After all, it's a sign that your baby is growing up. To help prevent your toddler from falling out of bed once they've made the switch, the best toddler bed rails securely attach to the bed without any gaps between the rail and the mattress, and they're sturdy enough to keep your child in the bed. After researching the top options and talking to pediatricians about toddler safety, my top pick is the Totcraft Toddler Bed Rails Guard, because it's incredibly versatile and secure. It can attach to a variety of bed types, offers a drop-down rail and is available in multiple sizes. The best toddler bed rails help create a safe and secure sleep environment. 'While not every toddler needs one, [bed rails] are highly recommended for most children during this transition, especially those who are active sleepers or who are new to sleeping in an open bed,' says pediatrician Daniel Ganjian. A toddler bed rail can also help give kids the sense of security they felt in their crib by making their toddler bed seem like less of a wide-open space. We curated a list of the best toddler bed rails, including the Delta Children Inflatable Bed Rails, which are ideal for traveling and the Comfybumpy Extra Long Toddler Bed Rail, which works well for larger beds. Amazon Dimensions: 35.5 x 19.5 inches | Material: Metal and mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple sizes, multiple colors, swing-down rail With multiple sizes and colors, the Totcraft Toddler Bed Rails Guard is a versatile option that can fit many bed sizes, from toddler beds to king size beds. You can choose a standard height or taller height, which is ideal for thicker mattresses or for just having some extra peace of mind. The rail also fits a variety of bed types, including those with wooden slats, a box spring or a wooden base. Multiple installation modes help ensure you get the most secure fit. You can install it with hook and loop sticky straps or screw it into a wooden frame. When it's time to get your toddler in and out of bed, the rail folds down, which also makes changing the sheets easier. The fabric is machine washable. Amazon Dimensions: 33 x 23 inches | Material: Mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: No-tool assembly, multiple colors Though not quite as versatile as our top pick, the Dream On Me Lightweight Mesh Bed Rail is ideal for twin size beds. The rail has a reinforced anchor system and a stabilizer bar to help ensure it stays snugly on your child's bed. It weighs 2 pounds and assembles without any tools, making this an ideal option for travel, too. I also like that this rail, like many others, has mesh sides to help with breathability. It's designed for mattresses that are less than 5 inches, however, so check your measurements before purchasing. That's more typically a crib mattress height than a kid bed or an adult mattress, of course. It's available in a variety of colors to match the décor of your toddler's room. Amazon Dimensions: 59 x 19.5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic, mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple colors, pull-down rail Toddlers with larger beds can benefit from an extra long bed rail to help prevent them from falling out at night. The Comfybumpy Extra Long Toddler Bed Rail is 59 inches long and fits any bed size from twin to king. Sometimes, I worry that my kids will slip past shorter bed rails and still fall out of bed, so I like the security of this longer option. Many parent reviewers with restless sleepers seem to also appreciate this rail, because it helps keep their kids secure. It also has mesh sides for breathability and is available in four colors. This is a versatile option that's designed to fit beds with slat bases, box springs or wood bases, attaching via Velcro straps or screws. A pull-down rail makes it easy to get in and out of bed, which is especially important with such a long rail. Amazon Dimensions: 43 x 20 inches | Material: Metal, mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple sizes, swing-down rail, no-tool assembly With a reinforced anchor safety system, the Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard is designed to stay sturdy even if you're moving its gate up and down a lot. It has an all-steel frame and sturdy anchoring straps. Locks on both sides ensure it stays secure while in the upright position. It's only available in white and gray, so you'll have less versatility with this option when it comes to matching the décor of your home. However, there are multiple length options. It's designed for use with a mattress and a box spring and fits mattress sizes up to queen. The rail also has a gap guard to help prevent gaps between the rail and the bed. 'Ensure the design prevents any gaps between the rail and the mattress where a child could get trapped,' says Ganjian. Amazon Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 5 inches | Material: Plastic | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Deflate for travel, grippy bottom, tool-free assembly If you're traveling and need to pack a bed rail in your kids' luggage, it doesn't get much more portable than inflatable bed rails. The Delta Children Inflatable Bed Rails come in a two pack and include a foot pump, making them ideal for travel. They function a bit differently than regular bed rails. Instead of sticking up above the bed, they tuck under a fitted sheet to make bumpers on the sides of the bed. A grippy bottom helps them stay in place. Because they don't come up as high as traditional bed rails, they may not be the best option for really restless sleepers. However, for kids who need a gentle reminder to stay in bed while traveling, they're a great tool to have. They fit twin, full, queen and king beds. Amazon Dimensions: 52 x 7 x 5 inches | Material: CertiPUR-US foam, jacquard fabric cover | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Non-slip top and bottom, tool-free assembly Similar to our travel pick, the Hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers For Toddlers slide under a fitted sheet and create a soft bumper to gently keep your child in bed. They're made of foam and have a machine-washable cover, making them soft and cozy. They're nice and long, too, helping ensure your toddler won't wiggle past them. The bumpers are designed for twin, full, double, queen and king beds, and you can choose to purchase one or a pack of two. Non-slip strips on the top and bottom help them stay in place. If you're planning on using these bumpers every night, make sure you regularly check them so they don't slide out of place. Amazon Dimensions: 36 x 18 inches | Material: Metal and mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Drop-down rail, no-tool assembly One of the shortest rails on our list in both length and height, the Munchkin Sleep Toddler Bed Rail is ideal for smaller beds or families who want a rail that only covers part of the bed. While many of the other rails on our list fit beds up to king size, this one is ideal for twin, full and queen beds. It has a mesh panel for breathability as well as a drop-down function that makes it easy for kids to get in and out of bed. You can install this rail on platform and non-platform beds, and it has safety straps to help give it a snug fit. A metal frame also helps ensure it's sturdy. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted is committed to making it easier for you to find the products that are right for your family. As parents ourselves, we spend countless hours researching and testing products, including the best mattresses for kids and the best toddler pillows. To select the best toddler bed rails, I conducted thorough research and reporting. Here are a few key factors to consider when shopping for toddler bed rails for your child. You need to choose a bed rail that is appropriately sized for your toddler's bed. 'The rail should cover a good portion of the bed to provide adequate protection. However, ensure there is enough space at either end for the child to get in and out safely,' says Ganjian. If you want a rail that covers the majority of the length of the bed, it's best to choose one with a drop-down feature so your toddler can safely get in and out of bed. 'The most crucial aspect is how securely it attaches to the bed,' says Ganjian. 'Look for rails that have a strong anchoring system, whether it's straps that go under the mattress, a sturdy frame that slides under the mattress or a pressure-fit design that holds firmly.' When you're installing the rail, make sure there are no gaps between the bed and the rail that could trap your child. Read the instruction manual closely to ensure you are using the rail correctly and safely. Once the item is installed and in use, 'periodically check the bed rail to ensure it remains securely attached and that all components are in good working order,' says Ganjian. Additionally, Elias cautions parents not to use a toddler bed rail for bunk beds. 'Pediatricians do not recommend bunk beds for toddlers, so a bed rail should not be used as a safeguard for a top bunk or a higher-than-average bed,' she says. Choose a bed rail that is designed to work with the specific type and size of bed you have. This will ensure you can install it correctly and safely. Many toddler bed rails have straps that go under the mattress to help secure it in place. These are often very sturdy. Some also offer an installation option that allows you to screw the rail into a wooden bed frame. For travel bumpers, look for grippy panels that help keep the bumper in place, and regularly check them to make sure they're not moving around. 'Some bed rails are easier to install and remove than others, which can be a factor if you plan to travel with it or move it between beds,' says Ganjian. If you want quick assembly, check for rails that offer tool-free installation. At What Age Do Kids Need Toddler Bed Rails? 'Children typically need bed rails when they transition out of a crib, which usually occurs between 18 months and 3.5 years old,' says Ganjian. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids should move out of their crib once they're 35 inches tall, the top rail of the crib reaches their nipple height or they're attempting to climb out. 'Once they are in a toddler bed or a regular bed, a bed rail is usually necessary until they are around 4 or 5 years old, or when they consistently sleep without falling out,' says Ganjian. Do I Need A Bed Rail For A Crib? When a crib is in crib mode, no, you do not need a bed rail. If your crib can transition to a toddler bed, a bed rail can be helpful to keep your child from falling out of bed. Many transitional cribs come with a bed rail or have a specific rail that's compatible with the bed for when you're ready to convert it to a toddler bed. How Do I Keep My Toddler From Falling Out Of A Toddler Bed? One of the best ways to keep your toddler from falling out of bed is to use a bed rail. A floor bed is an option, too. 'For some children, placing the mattress directly on the floor can be an alternative to a bed rail, especially for very active sleepers or those in smaller spaces,' says Ganjian.
