Large tegu lizard captured by Folsom Police, owner sought

The Folsom Police Department has detained a different type of escapee Thursday afternoon. A large Argentine Tegu Lizard was located in area of School Street and Penaranda Drive in Folsom. Folsom Police Department's Animal Control division is hoping to locate the owner of this unigue pet. The department is asking for for anyone who may know who it belongs to, to please contact Folsom Police communications center at (916) 355-7231 as soon as possible. The Argentine black and white tegu species is a large lizard that grows up to 4 feet long. It is black and white with banding along its tail. They are common in areas of Florida and are not uncommon as pets. The species eat fruits, vegetables, eggs, insects, dog or cat food, and small animals like lizards and rodents. In the wild, the species is known to spend most of their time on land and are often seen on roadsides or other disturbed areas. They can swim and may submerge themselves for long periods of time. At this time, no details have been shared if the "detainee" has a prior criminal record. All that is known is he is off the street and safe,Folsom Police are just hoping to reunite him with his family "Although it is a very interesting creature, we do not have a place to keep it and need you help in finding the owner," the department stated on their social media late Thursday.