Waianae family captures 16-inch illegal lizard in their yard
COURTESY HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
This illegal bearded dragon lizard was captured Monday in Waianae. The lizard, native to central Australia, can grow to about 2 feet long.
An illegal bearded dragon lizard was captured in Waianae on Monday and turned over to the state Agriculture Department.
The department said by email today that a Waianae family found the lizard in their yard on Hakalina Road. That’s just a few blocks from where another bearded dragon was captured in April 2016.
The lizard, native to central Australia, is about 16 inches long.
It is not known where this one came from, the department said.
It was being kept at the state Plant Quarantine Station off Nimitz Highway.
In 2014, a Kailua resident found a bearded dragon under his home.
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Bearded dragons, common as pets on the mainland, may grow up to 2 feet long and eat insects, flowers, fruit and plant matter. Larger adults may also consume small rodents, slugs and snails.
People who have illegal animals are subject to fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in jail. Individuals with illegal pets are encouraged to voluntarily turn them in under the department’s Amnesty Program, which offers immunity from prosecution.
Anyone with information or knowledge of illegal animals in Hawaii is asked to call the department’s PEST HOTLINE at 643-PEST.
