The Poconos are known for having all sorts of critters out in the woods. A call to wildlife experts about a reptile rescue has launched a search.

MARSHALLS CREEK, Pa. — Volunteers are combing through a wooded area just outside an apartment complex on Grey Fox Road near Marshalls Creek. The Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife got a call after neighbors spotted something unusual in the brush. 

“What looked like to be a rather large lizard-looking creature or potentially a baby alligator, I didn’t know at the time,” said Mike Smith of Middle Smithfield Township. 

Janine Tancredi with the Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife says they can’t be sure exactly what this animal is, but they don’t believe it’s an alligator. “My suspicion is that it is a Tegu. They are not native, but they are not invasive either. Unfortunately, they can be purchased as pets, so my suspicion is that someone let it go, or it got out. I’m thinking more someone let it go,” said Tancredi.

A Tegu is a reptile that can grow to be five feet long. Neighbors say they’ve spotted the creature on surveillance video and have seen tracks in the snow. 

The Wilderz have been in contact with reptile experts for guidance on what to do with the animal if it is found, but say these creatures are not built for the outdoors. 

“They can’t regulate their bodies, or they can’t find food, and a domestic pet is used to given food and given shelter, so it doesn’t know how to survive in the wild,” explained Tancredi. 

“We have an animal that could be a danger not only to small pets, but it could be a danger to other wildlife that should be living out here naturally, because it’s not supposed to be out there,” said Smith. 

If found, officials with the Wilderz say it will be taken to a reptile expert to be cared for.