Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in WA state, but I have a job that requires me to travel quite a bit. About six weeks ago, I was driving through TX, between Matador and Paducah (about 50 miles NE of Lubbock). I ran over what appeared to be a lizard in the road. I stopped and backed up to see if I had actually hit it, and to see what it was. Yes, I had hit and killed a HL. I saw another HL nearby. I was surprised it did not run away when I walked up to look at it. I walked back to my truck, got a cup, walked back and easily captured the HL. I thought they must be plentiful for me to see two of them so easily. I didn't know what I was getting into.
Now, I have her back in WA state. I talked with various pet shop people on the way. Some had good info - some bad. I found this forum, and have spent hours reading about HLs. I have now learned she (I think it's a female) is a Texas HL and illegal to capture.
I think I understand the requirements for maintaning her health in captivity, but am not sure if I should keep her or release her back into her native environment. The issue of introducing pathogens into the wild comes up. My concern is the well being of Matilda and the wild populations, not the legal aspects.
So, my questions are:
1. Should I keep her or release her where I found her (when I get back there)?
2. If I release her, what are the safer times of year to do so.

Thanks for your help.

I would've def. not taken the lizard! Even mentioning it on here is risky, ahaha.

If it were me, I would release it back. These lizards are having a hard enough time surviving in the wild as is.

I would def. take it back during the summer. DO NOT handle it as much as you can. It need not become tame in the slightest bit. It will need to survive if you decide to return it. I would take it back during summer months, not fall due to hibernation. Let it go and hope for the best, pref. a ways from any road.

GOOD LUCK!
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Sikamicah