Latest news with #SantaClaraCountyParksDepartment
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Rangers capture large South American lizard in Santa Clara County park
The Brief Park staff located and captured an Argentine black and white tegu lizard that had been spotted in Joseph D. Grant Community Park last week. Tegus tend to eat bird eggs, small birds, small lizards and various "small mammals and invertebrates." However, they are also docile and are generally not dangerous to humans. SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. - Park rangers on Thursday captured an Argentine black and white tegu lizard that was spotted in Joseph D. Grant County Park last week. The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department staffers spotted the animal on the Grant Lake dam on Thursday morning and were able to capture it shortly after. The department first announced that park personnel were on the lookout for the non-native lizard on June 6, after hikers reported spotting the animal. Large but docile According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the lizards are endemic to Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Uruguay and northern Argentina. The animals grow up to four feet in length and can weigh upwards of 10 pounds. Tegu lizards eat the eggs of birds that nest on the ground as well as other reptiles. They also consumer chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables and small live animals. Tegu lizards are generally docile and not dangerous to humans. "They're a popular pet and don't belong in parks," the Santa Clara County Parks Department said in a statement. The captured tegu will be held by Santa Clara County Animal Services pending adoption, should no rightful owner step forward to claim the reptile.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Invasive tegu lizard on the loose in Santa Clara County, California
An Argentine black and white tegu lizard native to South America was accidentally spotted by hikers in the Joseph D. Grant County Park in Northern California, according to a social media post shared by Santa Clara County Parks on June 7. The lizard is not native to the region and its chance discovery left park authorities shocked at its presence in the area. 'A few days ago at Joseph D. Grant County Park, a group of hikers spotted an Argentine black & white tegu! They did the right thing and reported it Santa Clara County Parks Department staff and took these amazing photos. These lizards are not native to the area and tend to eat bird eggs, small birds, small lizards, and various small mammals and invertebrates. They are docile so they won't harm people, but they do not belong in county parks,' read the social media post issued by Santa Clara County Parks. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, these lizards can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh more than 10 pounds. Since they're native to South America, many US states consider them an invasive species. Park rangers are now on the lookout to discover the mammal. Another statement was issued by Santa Clara County Parks the next day which urged people not to start hunting for the animal and provided them with a few precautions to undertake if they happen to run into it. 'Please do not go searching for the tegu or trap it. If you see it, back away safely and notify rangers as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation. Park rangers are actively conducting foot patrols around Grant Lake to locate it,' it read. Anyone who spots the lizard is requested to either inform the Department staff on-site or call (408)274-6121 to report the sighting.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Rare giant invasive lizard spotted in Bay Area park, officials issue stern warning
Park rangers in Santa Clara County are looking for a large black and white lizard that hikers saw earlier this week. The lizard, called an Argentine black and white tegu, was spotted at Joseph D. Grant County Park. The hikers took a photo and told park staff right away. This type of lizard comes from South America. It can grow almost five feet long and weigh over 10 pounds. Rangers are now searching the area around Grant Lake on foot, trying to find it. The Santa Clara County Parks Department is asking visitors not to go near the lizard, try to catch it, or look for it on their own. Instead, they should tell a park ranger or call (408) 274-6121 if they see it. Even though tegus are legal pets in California, other states like Florida and Georgia have banned them. That's because they can harm local wildlife. Scientists in Florida say these lizards are really good at finding and eating eggs—from birds, reptiles, and even baby alligators. Also Read: Frilled-neck lizard gives man a heart-stopping surprise as it climbs onto his back. Watch This isn't the first time a tegu has been seen in California. In 2022, someone found one walking around in Folsom. It had escaped from someone's backyard. Luckily, it was returned to its owner, as per reports. A wildlife expert said that tegus don't usually survive long in California because it gets too cold in the winter. But a US government study shows that warmer parts of the southern US and northern Mexico could be good places for these lizards to live if they spread. In Florida, they've already been found in 35 counties. The state is working hard to remove them. Georgia and South Carolina also have rules to stop people from bringing them in or letting them breed. People who already own them must keep them in safe cages so they can't escape.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Invasive reptile spotting in California prompts warning in Santa Clara County's top park
MOUNT HAMILTON, Ca. – An invasive reptile sighting in Santa Clara County's largest park has prompted an urgent call for public vigilance from California officials. The Santa Clara County Parks Department said an Argentine black and white tegu was found earlier this month at Joseph D. Grant County Park in Mount Hamilton. How To Watch Fox Weather The non-native lizard, known for its impact on local ecosystems, was photographed by a group of hikers, who reported the discovery to park staff. The large, distinctive reptile, which can grow several feet long, poses a significant threat to native wildlife. "These lizards are not native to the area and tend to eat bird eggs, small birds, small lizards and various small mammals and invertebrates," county parks department officials said. "They are docile so they won't harm people, but they do not belong in county parks." Park rangers are currently on the lookout for the reptile around Grant Lake and urge visitors to assist in their efforts by reporting any sightings, but emphasize that the public should not attempt to approach, search for or trap the animal themselves. "If you see it, back away safely and notify rangers as soon as possible," officials article source: Invasive reptile spotting in California prompts warning in Santa Clara County's top park
