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This Dog-Sized Lizard Is Instagram’s Latest Four-Legged Sensation, And His Pics Will Make Your Day
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This Dog-Sized Lizard Is Instagram’s Latest Four-Legged Sensation, And His Pics Will Make Your Day

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If you’re sick and tired of cats and dogs hoarding all the Instagram love, MacGyver the Lizard is about to become your new best friend. Trust us, he’s more cuddly than he looks.

Meet MacGyver – a 4-year-old Argentine red tegu lizard from California who may be the most popular lizard on Earth. The adorable reptile has over 156k followers on Instagram, 44k followers on Youtube, and he even has a LinkedIn page! Every day, thousands of people look at pics and videos of MacGyver eating, going for walks, and, most importantly, cuddling. MacGyver really loves to cuddle. “He can go anywhere he wants pretty much in the house, but he’ll choose to come over and sleep right in front of the couch where our feet are,” the owner, Scott, tells The Dodo. Keep on scrolling to take a look at his cuddly pics and be prepared to fall in love with him just like the rest of the Internet!

More info: Instagram | Youtube | Linkedin

RELATED:

    Meet MacGyver – an Argentine red tegu lizard from California who may be the most popular lizard on Earth

    He just celebrated his 4th birthday with an adorable ‘salmon cake’

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    The adorable reptile is extremely popular on social media

    With over 156k followers on Instagram, 44k followers on Youtube, and even a LinkedIn page

    Every day, thousands of people look at pics and videos of MacGyver bonding

    Meeting new people

    Giving kisses

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Taking a bath

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Napping

    Taking selfies

    And, most importantly, cuddling

    MacGyver really loves to cuddle

    “He can go anywhere he wants pretty much in the house,” one of his owner’s, Scott, says

    “But he’ll choose to come over and sleep right in front of the couch where our feet are”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    He’s just too cute

    821Kviews

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    Rūta Grašytė

    Rūta Grašytė

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    Rūta Grašytė

    Rūta Grašytė

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    varwenea
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm usually a bit afraid of lizards, but this chubby one is oddly cuddly looking. Not sure about the lizard kiss though.

    Francisco Montoya
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That first pic is like "I want you to draw me like one of your French Lizards". Seriously this lizard is both weird and cool. lol.

    Chris Sprucefield
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These guys can become very friendly and tame. Had 5 wild lizards that we kept feeding fruit and veg every morning, and soon enough, they stopped being afraid of us, came up to us nudging for grub. We ended up with them every morning on parade, waiting for food, and later, they got their wee ones, and they were invited by the parents and waited next to them, to get grub. water melon, apple, oranges, allsorts..

    g90814
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    MacGyver needs to go on a diet... he's too fat. Seriously.

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tupinambis teguexin males develop large jowls upon reaching sexual maturity. The legs, abdomen, and tail appear slightly larger than average, but are in no way obese. A far more troubling photo is the one showing someone "cuddling" the tegu during a molt. Molting is *extremely* stressful for reptiles: they should not be handled at all during molting.

    Load More Replies...
    Irene Walton
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really wish they'd stop the importation of all reptiles. Have of them end up in our shelters

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The vast majority of tegus available in the US are captive bred. It's cheaper than importing, and produces healthier animals. Many reptiles are only available as captive bred (ball pythons, crested geckos, etc).

    Load More Replies...
    Kaitlyn Linde
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was wondering that too if it was obese? But if this is how thru commonly look, then NVM. So cool though! People assume only mammals are cuddly! Not true!

    Adam Bryce
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that tegu lizard is really overfed. he's very obese. what people often forget about reptiles is the fact that reptiles have metabolisms about one seventh as fast as ours, in general, so don't need to eat much. i'd say that tegu only needs to be fed once a week with one thawed-out rat - yes, you can buy frozen rats from pet shops, as they sell that for pet snakes. reptiles enjoy our hot bodies' heat, but they don't comprehend or much enjoy hugs - they're not mammals. :-)

    Cathy b
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Florida the black and White tegu and the golden tegu have become an invasive specie creating a big threat for some already endangered local species. They have been introduced by irresponsible owner that became afraid of their size and great appetite once adult and then dumped them in the wilderness. They are now hunted by the Wildlife Services. I hope this won't happen also in California. ....

    Cathy b
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Check this vidéo on the subject : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v248PdomBUY

    Load More Replies...
    Lisa Angonese
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cuddling and photos are fine but I hope she realizes that such close contact with a reptile can put her at risk for contracting salmonella. I copied this from on line. I checked it just now: Studies have shown that 85% of all turtles, 77% of lizards, and 92% of snakes carry one of the 500 serotypes of Salmonella. Salmonella usually do not cause any illness in reptiles, but can cause serious illness in people. Salmonella bacteria are easily spread from reptiles to humans.

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're more likely to contract Salmonella from a human child than a reptile, dog, or cat. Wash your hands after handling animals/children, and you won't get sick.

    Load More Replies...
    Eddie77
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Baby animals, by their very nature, are hard to resist. They are incredibly cute and appear dependent upon others for their very survival. But within a few months, those babies grow up and their natural instincts kick in. They may bite, scratch, tear up the furniture, or worse. This is usually the time that most people who have tried raising a wild animal decide it's time to release it back into the wild. But the problem is that the baby animal may not have developed the critical skills necessary — like hunting for food or evading predators — to survive in the wild.

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True. This is why it's critical to do research before acquiring any animal. Even the wrong dog breed can be too much for some to handle.

    Load More Replies...
    Shinomi Chan
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's actually pretty gosh darn adorable little guy :3 I wish I could pet him!

    Amie Redman
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing. It’s amazing how loving reptiles can be. They really are misunderstood by so Many!

    TC
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still, I wouldn't like to find this in my sheets...

    Linda Sellers
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love reptiles and this little guy is so beautiful! These pics are adorable!

    JillVille Child Care
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to have a Bearded Dragon who loved to cuddle. Especially wrapped up in a blanket - aka the Beardie Burrito!

    Bina Acharya
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    its cute but still i am scared of this guy... i want to hug him but i am scared... :(

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There should be more cute lizards like MacGyver, because they show people that reptiles aren't dangerous beasts, but amazing animals, which sometimes posses charming personalities.

    Yolanda Luévano
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww, that's life. Hahaha, this lizard has it better than me. Just look at him sleeping. He really loves his owner.

    Anita Vlaming
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ik houd er niet zo van om een reptiel als huisdier te houden....maar deze heeft het wel erg naar zijn zin. Wat een leukerd!

    Maureen Zappellini
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll stick with dogs cats and horses, thanks. ( we have plenty of lizards in the yard, the dogs love to chase them)

    Ana T.
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i like fat pets , just to feel those meat bags so cuddly and warm i just love fat pets

    Terry Jensen
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    beautiful animal...never seen one like this and yes he is very lovable looking and who would think he had such a personality!!! Too CUTE!!!

    Allana Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This little guy is amazing! I never knew that cold blooded creatures could actually enjoy human companionship like this lizard seems to do. Makes me want one just to freak my friends out with. (Hmm wonder how my cats would react to him?) *L*

    Eddie77
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Domestication is a process that takes centuries within an animal species. Dogs and cats have been bred as pets for thousands of years. You can't simply love the wild out of an animal.

    Katie Smith
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He has a cute personality I guess? Reptiles just aren't my gig. That being said, she seems to really love her scaly guy, so good on her!

    Olga Śmiełowska
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how many pair of glasses does she own?! (PS for me that thing is creepy as hell)

    MidS
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a person who can't handle being in the same room as cats, dogs, and other domestic animals, this would be absolutely terrifying. *shudders*

    Sam
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reptiles have never bothered me, but adorable & lizard in the same sentence? I think not.

    Hikari
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is fantastic! I have two snakes myself and volunteer with them for education outreach. We need more herp awareness!

    Helen Burgess
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    no thank you! i usually like reptiles and used to have iguanas, but this looks like it's been boiled alive! it's a lobster-gator.

    PigMaster
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww! MacGyver the lizard is not an old man and I am so glad I did this little bit by myself. And the money you get is a little more awesome.

    J Alan
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uh...sorry....Lizards are just not "cuddly" to me.... (shivers)

    Irene Bocardo Reina
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    his eyes were blank in some pictures. HE'S POSSESSED. A RED DEVIL

    Melissa Nunya
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you bothered to google the red tegu lizard you would see they all look the same size and have big fat heads.

    Load More Replies...
    varwenea
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm usually a bit afraid of lizards, but this chubby one is oddly cuddly looking. Not sure about the lizard kiss though.

    Francisco Montoya
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That first pic is like "I want you to draw me like one of your French Lizards". Seriously this lizard is both weird and cool. lol.

    Chris Sprucefield
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These guys can become very friendly and tame. Had 5 wild lizards that we kept feeding fruit and veg every morning, and soon enough, they stopped being afraid of us, came up to us nudging for grub. We ended up with them every morning on parade, waiting for food, and later, they got their wee ones, and they were invited by the parents and waited next to them, to get grub. water melon, apple, oranges, allsorts..

    g90814
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    MacGyver needs to go on a diet... he's too fat. Seriously.

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tupinambis teguexin males develop large jowls upon reaching sexual maturity. The legs, abdomen, and tail appear slightly larger than average, but are in no way obese. A far more troubling photo is the one showing someone "cuddling" the tegu during a molt. Molting is *extremely* stressful for reptiles: they should not be handled at all during molting.

    Load More Replies...
    Irene Walton
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really wish they'd stop the importation of all reptiles. Have of them end up in our shelters

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The vast majority of tegus available in the US are captive bred. It's cheaper than importing, and produces healthier animals. Many reptiles are only available as captive bred (ball pythons, crested geckos, etc).

    Load More Replies...
    Kaitlyn Linde
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was wondering that too if it was obese? But if this is how thru commonly look, then NVM. So cool though! People assume only mammals are cuddly! Not true!

    Adam Bryce
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that tegu lizard is really overfed. he's very obese. what people often forget about reptiles is the fact that reptiles have metabolisms about one seventh as fast as ours, in general, so don't need to eat much. i'd say that tegu only needs to be fed once a week with one thawed-out rat - yes, you can buy frozen rats from pet shops, as they sell that for pet snakes. reptiles enjoy our hot bodies' heat, but they don't comprehend or much enjoy hugs - they're not mammals. :-)

    Cathy b
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Florida the black and White tegu and the golden tegu have become an invasive specie creating a big threat for some already endangered local species. They have been introduced by irresponsible owner that became afraid of their size and great appetite once adult and then dumped them in the wilderness. They are now hunted by the Wildlife Services. I hope this won't happen also in California. ....

    Cathy b
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Check this vidéo on the subject : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v248PdomBUY

    Load More Replies...
    Lisa Angonese
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cuddling and photos are fine but I hope she realizes that such close contact with a reptile can put her at risk for contracting salmonella. I copied this from on line. I checked it just now: Studies have shown that 85% of all turtles, 77% of lizards, and 92% of snakes carry one of the 500 serotypes of Salmonella. Salmonella usually do not cause any illness in reptiles, but can cause serious illness in people. Salmonella bacteria are easily spread from reptiles to humans.

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're more likely to contract Salmonella from a human child than a reptile, dog, or cat. Wash your hands after handling animals/children, and you won't get sick.

    Load More Replies...
    Eddie77
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Baby animals, by their very nature, are hard to resist. They are incredibly cute and appear dependent upon others for their very survival. But within a few months, those babies grow up and their natural instincts kick in. They may bite, scratch, tear up the furniture, or worse. This is usually the time that most people who have tried raising a wild animal decide it's time to release it back into the wild. But the problem is that the baby animal may not have developed the critical skills necessary — like hunting for food or evading predators — to survive in the wild.

    Laurie Price-Soto
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True. This is why it's critical to do research before acquiring any animal. Even the wrong dog breed can be too much for some to handle.

    Load More Replies...
    Shinomi Chan
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's actually pretty gosh darn adorable little guy :3 I wish I could pet him!

    Amie Redman
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing. It’s amazing how loving reptiles can be. They really are misunderstood by so Many!

    TC
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still, I wouldn't like to find this in my sheets...

    Linda Sellers
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love reptiles and this little guy is so beautiful! These pics are adorable!

    JillVille Child Care
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to have a Bearded Dragon who loved to cuddle. Especially wrapped up in a blanket - aka the Beardie Burrito!

    Bina Acharya
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    its cute but still i am scared of this guy... i want to hug him but i am scared... :(

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There should be more cute lizards like MacGyver, because they show people that reptiles aren't dangerous beasts, but amazing animals, which sometimes posses charming personalities.

    Yolanda Luévano
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww, that's life. Hahaha, this lizard has it better than me. Just look at him sleeping. He really loves his owner.

    Anita Vlaming
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ik houd er niet zo van om een reptiel als huisdier te houden....maar deze heeft het wel erg naar zijn zin. Wat een leukerd!

    Maureen Zappellini
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll stick with dogs cats and horses, thanks. ( we have plenty of lizards in the yard, the dogs love to chase them)

    Ana T.
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i like fat pets , just to feel those meat bags so cuddly and warm i just love fat pets

    Terry Jensen
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    beautiful animal...never seen one like this and yes he is very lovable looking and who would think he had such a personality!!! Too CUTE!!!

    Allana Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This little guy is amazing! I never knew that cold blooded creatures could actually enjoy human companionship like this lizard seems to do. Makes me want one just to freak my friends out with. (Hmm wonder how my cats would react to him?) *L*

    Eddie77
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Domestication is a process that takes centuries within an animal species. Dogs and cats have been bred as pets for thousands of years. You can't simply love the wild out of an animal.

    Katie Smith
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He has a cute personality I guess? Reptiles just aren't my gig. That being said, she seems to really love her scaly guy, so good on her!

    Olga Śmiełowska
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how many pair of glasses does she own?! (PS for me that thing is creepy as hell)

    MidS
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a person who can't handle being in the same room as cats, dogs, and other domestic animals, this would be absolutely terrifying. *shudders*

    Sam
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reptiles have never bothered me, but adorable & lizard in the same sentence? I think not.

    Hikari
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is fantastic! I have two snakes myself and volunteer with them for education outreach. We need more herp awareness!

    Helen Burgess
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    no thank you! i usually like reptiles and used to have iguanas, but this looks like it's been boiled alive! it's a lobster-gator.

    PigMaster
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww! MacGyver the lizard is not an old man and I am so glad I did this little bit by myself. And the money you get is a little more awesome.

    J Alan
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uh...sorry....Lizards are just not "cuddly" to me.... (shivers)

    Irene Bocardo Reina
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    his eyes were blank in some pictures. HE'S POSSESSED. A RED DEVIL

    Melissa Nunya
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you bothered to google the red tegu lizard you would see they all look the same size and have big fat heads.

    Load More Replies...
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