Florida yards are full of lizards, but not every lizard people see belongs here naturally.

Green iguanas are nonnative and invasive in Florida.

They are large lizards that are often green but may also appear brown, dark gray, orange or pink depending on age and season.

Adults can be unmistakable because of their size, long tail, spines along the back and heavy body.

Green iguanas are especially associated with canals, seawalls, drainage systems and landscaped areas, where burrowing can damage banks and structures.

Argentine black and white tegus are another invasive reptile.

Tegus are thick-bodied ground lizards with a black-and-white pattern and a broad head.

They are a concern because they can prey on native wildlife and consume eggs, including those of ground-nesting species.

Small backyard lizards are a different story.

Florida has both native and introduced small lizards, and many common yard sightings do not require emergency action.

The goal is not to assume every unusual lizard is invasive, but to know which animals deserve a closer look through a photograph.

A clear photo and location can be more useful than trying to catch the animal.

Florida encourages residents to report nonnative animals, especially high-priority reptiles such as nonnative snakes, monitor lizards and tegus.

Reports can be made through the state's nonnative-species system, and high-priority sightings can be called in at 888-483-4681.

Do not relocate captured invasive reptiles to another Florida location.

If you are unsure what you are seeing, keep your distance, take a photograph and note the exact location.

The practical takeaway: not every backyard lizard is a problem, but large unfamiliar reptiles are worth documenting and reporting rather than ignoring or moving elsewhere.