An invasive giant lizard from South America has invaded the US, forcing officials to ask Americans to take matters into their own hands.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging residents in southeast Georgia to kill any Argentine black-and-white tegus they see.
Though tegus are not considered a threat to humans, their voracious appetite could devastate both farm crops and eggs of endangered sea turtles and other native species.
Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, told Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB): ‘If you’re not in a position to use a firearm or something like that, try to document it with a photo and let us know.
‘We can perhaps give some guidance or maybe help try to put a trap out or something like that.’
Capable of growing up to four feet long, they are fast-moving, strong swimmers and can survive cold winters by entering a hibernation-like state known as brumation.
Wildlife officials have removed 30 Argentine tegus from just two southeast Georgia counties since 2018. The invasive lizards have now been reported in 30 counties across the state, highlighting concerns that the population continues to expand.
The invasive lizards were introduced to Georgia through the exotic pet trade, according to wildlife officials. Experts believe wild populations became established after some pet tegus escaped captivity or were deliberately released by their owners.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging residents in southeast Georgia to kill any Argentine black-and-white tegus they see
Officials say Argentine tegus are easy to recognize by their black or dark gray bodies covered in distinctive white speckles and bands that extend down the tail.
While Argentine tegus are not considered aggressive toward people, wildlife officials warn they can become defensive if cornered or disturbed. The reptiles are capable of moving quickly and can inflict painful injuries with their sharp teeth, powerful jaws and strong claws.
The reptiles are fast-moving, spend most of their time on the ground and are active during daylight hours, while young tegus can be identified by their bright green heads, which typically fade within the first month of life.
They devour quail, chicken, turtle and even alligator eggs as well as turkeys, gopher tortoises and ground-nesting birds. They also feast on gopher fruit, vegetables, plants and pet food.
This insatiable appetite poses a threat to native wildlife, and now the beast has spread to more states, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina and even Maryland.
University of Florida wildlife professor Frank Mazzotti told The Palm Beach Post in 2024: ‘Because they can live in many more places and eat everything, there is not going to be a whole lot to stop them.’
It is not known precisely how many of these highly intelligent creatures are currently in the US, but there have been nearly 10,000 sightings since 2002, according to a database created by the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
Florida and South Carolina outlawed the reptiles as pets in the spring of 2021, while Georgia banned any tegus not registered with the Department of Natural Resources before December 4, 2023.
Officials say Argentine tegus are easy to recognize by their black or dark gray bodies covered in distinctive white speckles and bands that extend down the tail
The lizards have been found in Toombs and Tattnall counties in Georgia.
With few natural predators, Argentine tegus can spread rapidly once they become established. A single female can lay up to 35 eggs per year, with most hatchlings emerging during Georgia’s summer months of June and July.
Wildlife officials are also worried that the lizards could introduce foreign parasites to native species and spread harmful bacteria.
Many Argentine tegus carry salmonella, raising concerns about potential risks to both wildlife and crops.
