Updated at 2:10 p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Iguana captured in Waimanalo, turned in to police
Advertiser Staff
An iguana measuring about 3 feet long was captured in Waimanalo and turned in to the Kailua police station yesterday by an unidentified person who saw it on the side of the road, the state Department of Agriculture said today.A police dispatcher notified plant quarantine inspectors from the Agriculture Department, who picked up the animal. No further information was provided to inspectors.
When fully grown, iguanas may reach up to 6 feet in length from head to tip of tail. Its tail can be powerful, acting as a weapon in fending off enemies. Iguanas are native to central Mexico through South America and are typically vegetarians, but are known to disturb bird nestlings and feed on eggs.
Although they are believed to be established in some areas on O'ahu, it is illegal to possess or transport iguanas in Hawai'i. Persons possessing illegal animals are subject to penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in prison.
Anyone with information on illegal animals is asked to call the state's toll-free PEST HOTLINE at 643-PEST (7378). Individuals who have illegal animals are encouraged to turn them in under the state's amnesty program, which provides immunity from prosecution. Illegal animals may be turned in to any Agriculture Department office, municipal zoo or Humane Society with no questions asked and no fines assessed.
