Tegu Lizard Escape Prompts Discussion into Exotic Animal Laws
Incident Date:
08/26/2025
Location:
Old Town, ME - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Tegu
Animal disposition:
Other
Summary:
OLD TOWN, ME – A large Tegu lizard is on the loose in Old Town, Maine. According to the WMTW, officials first thought the lizard was a monitor lizard, but after hearing from folks who have seen the animal, they’ve realized the lizard is likely a tegu. The lizard was last seen Sunday night, near Hillside Avenue. The animal remains at large. Police are warning residents to not go up to the tegu, and to let professionals safely capture him. Maine does not currently require a specific license or permit for owning a tegu.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: