Department of Agriculture inspectors found a 3-foot iguana today in a tree in Waipio Gentry, the Department of Agriculture said in a news release.

Kanoelani Elementary School contacted the Agriculture Department Tuesday afternoon and reported an iguana sighting.

Agriculture inspectors went out Wednesday, canvassed the area, but failed to find the reptile.

The Board of Water Supply granted inspectors permission today to get onto BWS property.

The inspectors then discovered the iguana in a tree.

The reptiles may grow up to 6 feet long, from head to tip of tail. They are native to Central Mexico through South America, and are vegetarians but may feed on eggs and disturb nestlings.

They are known to be established in some areas on Oahu, the Agriculture Department said.

It is illegal to import, possess or transport these animals in Hawaii. Anyone possessing illegal animals may be subject to fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in prison.

Call the state’s toll-free pest hotline at 643-PEST (7378) to report illegal animals.

Anyone who wishes to turn in an illegal animal under the state’s amnesty program may do so at any state agriculture office, municipal zoo or Humane Society, no questions asked and no fines assessed.