A 3-foot-long iguana was captured today at Makaha Elementary by police officers assisted by school personnel and neighbors, according to state Department of Agriculture officials.

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

Janelle Saneishi, Agriculture Department spokeswoman, said the iguana was spotted adjacent to the school at about 10 a.m. and eventually moved onto the school property. It was captured at about 10:30 a.m.

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

Adult iguanas grow up to six feet in length from head to tip of tail and its tail can be quite powerful, acting as a dangerous 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.

Although iguanas are known to be established in some areas on O'ahu, it is illegal to possess or transport iguanas in Hawai'i, said Saneishi.

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

The iguana captured today 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 are 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 hotline at 643-PEST (7378).