Missing pet tegu mistaken for alligator found safe

Missing pet tegu mistaken for alligator in Snohomish County

Granite Falls deputies initially said they were investigating an alligator sighting, but it turned out to be a beloved family pet that recently escaped his enclosure.

GRANITE FALLS, Wash. - A tegu that was mistaken for an alligator by law enforcement in Snohomish County has been found safe and is now back home.

On Friday, deputies said they received reports of a 10-foot alligator in Granite Falls near the intersection of Ray Gray Road and 184th Ave. NE, toward the Pilchuck River.

Little information was given about the alligator sighting apart from a picture that was taken by a property owner in the area.

However, the "alligator" actually turned out to be a white Argentine tegu named "Tazz."

The tegu is a species of lizard native to Central and South America. They are known for their large size and predatory habits, but Tazz is friendlier than most.

A Facebook post on the "Granite Falls Community Connection" page was shared out saying that Tazz is a beloved family pet and recently escaped from his enclosure. Tazz's owner, Shanna Duncan, says he is very tame and not dangerous.

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via Shanna Duncan

Granite Falls Police said they mistook Tazz for an alligator due to little information on the sighting. They also said the social media post about the reptile was only made due to public safety reasons.

On Sunday, Duncan said Tazz was found safe and sound. He's now recovering from his adventure back at his enclosure.