Reptiles have been on the loose on both sides of the country.
In South Carolina, the Surfside Beach Police Department came across a tortoise wandering about. Since the tortoise appeared to be a non-native species, it was determined that the tortoise was a pet, and police arranged “temporary care” for the scaly guy.
The owner of the tortoise was later located.
Meanwhile, in California, an Argentine black & white tegu lizard was spotted in a park by California’s Santa Clara County Parks department.
“Maintenance staff and park rangers were able to safely capture the tegu,” the department shares. “Park rangers, in partnership with Santa Clara County Animal Services and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, were able to secure the tegu for transport.”
Animal Services is holding onto the lizard until the rightful owner claims it, or, barring that, it is adopted.
No matter where you live, it’s always a good idea to watch where you’re walking lest you step on someone’s lost reptile.