Escaped Lizard in Raises Questions about Exotic Animal Laws in Maine

Get this, right now, there is a large Tegu lizard on the loose in Old Town, Maine, as per WMTW.

Not just any lizard either guys, it’s a tegu, they are huge! I once met a tegu through Mr. Drew and His Animals Too and he was the most massive sweet lizard I have ever come across.

They can grow to become 4 feet long. They have strong jaws and can easily slip away if you’re not looking. That is the case for this guy.  

According to the WMTW, officials first thought it was a monitor lizard but after hearing from folks who spotted it, they’ve realized it is indeed a tegu. Last seen Sunday night, near Hillside Avenue and right now, still at large.

Police are warning residents to not go up to the tegu, even though they’re not normally dangerous or aggressive, it’s a good idea to let the professionals safely capture him. 

Check out Clint’s Reptiles on YouTube to see just how fascinating tegus really are.

So while we are talking about this rogue reptile cruising through that streets of Maine neighborhoods, it raises the questions, How are exotic animals being regulated in the state of Maine?  

Tegu Lizard Escape Raises Question About Exotic Pet Laws in Maine

Tegu's are legal to own as per Maine Law. 

This type of lizard is native the Central and South America but there are so many that are kept as pets here in the U.S. Maine doesn’t currently require a specific license or permit for owning a tegu.

Read More: People Who Own These Animals in Maine Could Face Big Trouble 

That means I guess you could technically have a mini dinosaur in your bathroom, without too much oversight.  

As of the escape, as police try to safely get this guy home, it may be time to look at those laws so that our exotic animals have better oversight and protection, what do you think?  

Until, then we will be following this and checking under our porches!