Earlier this month, we had
reported on the so called murder hornets from Asia that may grow up to 2 inches. The newest invasive species that has experts worried are reptiles from South America that can grow up to 4 feet long.
Authorities have identified populations of wild Argentine black and white tegus in various counties in Georgia. These reptiles can weigh up to 10 pounds, and are known for their voracious appetites. While it is legal to own tegus as pet, it is illegal to release them into the wild.
Tegus are known to eat everything from fruits and vegetables to small insects. They may also be attracted to the pet food, meaning that owners may inadvertently lure these 4 feet lizards into their yards.
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has asked all Georgians to report sightings of tegu. The DNR said that active participation from the citizens will be vital for experts to get a grasp of the population of the lizards.
Moreover, Georgians are allowed to kill the tegus on private properties. With the agreement of the property owner, the lizards can be taken care of regular citizens because the tegus are an invasive species to the United States.
As the name suggests, the Argentine black and white tegus are native to Latin American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. They are the largest of the tegus and are known to live up to 20 years in the wild.
Once fully grown, they are virtually safe from all predators. Moreover, female tegus can lay more than 30 eggs every year, and are considered one of the more productive reptiles. While they do not show immediate hostility towards humans, tegus do have sharp claws and teeth which can easily tear human flesh.
Adding to their productivity, tegus can withstand the colder seasons as they can hibernate. Therefore, it is unlikely that the weather will somehow naturally take care of the tegu population if uncontrolled by humans.
Fox News reports that DNR is working in tandem with Georgia Southern University and the US Geological Survey to identifying and euthanizing the wild tegus in Georgia and neighboring Florida.
As mentioned, please contact the DNR if you sight tegus, alive or dead. Share this story with your friends, and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more news like this one.
Replaced!