Iguanas in Raleigh?! Police asking public to report sightings after 2 found so far in 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Leaping lizards! Police are asking the public to report any iguana sightings in Raleigh after they said two have been found so far this year.
Officers said their Animal Control Unit responded to a call Tuesday night in reference to an iguana.
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When they arrived, they said the herbivorous lizard was five feet long.
The police department shared a photo of the rescue.
This isn’t the typical call for animal control officers in Raleigh, which leaves many questions about where these large lizards are coming from.
Green iguanas are native to Central America, tropical parts of South America and some eastern Caribbean islands, according to the Florida Museum.
According to experts, iguanas are also found in multiple Florida counties, however, they are considered a native species in the Sunshine State after they were accidentally brought from Cuba via cargo ships in the 1960s.
“The weather may be warm and humid, but this is not Florida!” Raleigh police said. “This iguana must have gotten confused.”
Anyone who sees an iguana in Raleigh is asked to report it to animal control.
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