A 3-foot-long iguana was captured yesterday at Makaha Elementary by police officers assisted by school personnel and neighbors, the state Department of Agriculture said.

It is illegal to possess or transport iguanas in Hawai'i, although populations of iguanas are known to be established in certain areas of O'ahu, said Agriculture Department spokeswoman Janelle Saneishi.

Judging by its aggressive behavior, agriculture officials suspect the iguana was living in the wild and not kept as a pet, Saneishi said.

A fishing net was used to capture the iguana, which was taken to the Wai'anae police station and turned over to state Plant Quarantine inspectors.

Saneishi said the iguana was spotted next to the school grounds about 10 a.m., then captured on the school property about 10:30 a.m.

Adult iguanas grow up to 6 feet in length from head to tip of tail. The tail can be quite powerful, and is used as a weapon in fending off enemies. Students at Makaha Elementary were in lockdown until the iguana was captured for safety reasons, said Saneishi.

Iguanas are native to central Mexico through South America and are typically vegetarians, but are known to disturb bird nestlings and feed on eggs.

"They can climb, swim and run," Saneishi said.

The iguana captured yesterday will be kept at the Agriculture Department's Plant Quarantine Branch facility for educational purposes, Saneishi said.

Possessing illegal animals is a Class C felony and a conviction can result in a fine of up to $200,000 and three years in prison. Anyone with illegal pets is encouraged to turn them in under the department's amnesty program, which offers immunity from prosecution.

Illegal animals in Hawai'i can be reported to the state's pest hot line at 643-PEST (7378).