VIDEO: Is This Invasive Lizard Legal as a Pet in New York?

For the second time in just three months, a lizard, which is listed as an invasive species in several states, was seen wandering loose in New York.

The lizard, an Argentine Black and White Tegu, can grow to be more than four feet long, are strong swimmers, and can even burrow underground to survive harsh winters... but what does the law say about them here in the Empire State?

Argentine Black and White Tegu Found in the Hudson Valley

The question first came up back in July, when a Hudson Valley resident stumbled across a tegu near her home in Hyde Park, NY. The animal, which was revealed to be an escaped pet of a neighbor, reportedly acted aggressively before disappearing into nearby woods. This week, a similar situation unfolded a little further south.

Tegu Lizard Spotted in Long Island, NY

"Strong Island animal rescue got a call for what the homeowner thought was an iguana.. But when we got there it was definitely NOT an iguana!", began a recent post from the Strong Island Animal Rescue League (below). Instead, rescue professionals were faced with an agitated tegu.

Keeping Tegu Lizards in New York State

The lizard, which was eventually captured using a net, can be heard being described as "strong" as it was transferred into a holding container. Similar to the incident in the Hudson Valley, the rescue league shared that the tegu was a pet, although this time the animal was able to be returned to its owner. But what's the legal status of keeping an animal like a tegu?

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While keeping lizards such as iguanas, monitors, and tegus is illegal in New York City, there are no specific stipulations against keeping tegus in other areas in New York State. That being said, with recent evidence showing how talented the lizards are at escaping their enclosures (and their homes), reptile lovers may want to look in a different direction for cold-blooded companionship.