The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking residents in southeast Georgia to kill Argentine black-and-white tegus on sight, as the invasive lizards continue to expand their range across the state. These reptiles, which can grow up to four feet long, threaten native wildlife and farm crops, including the eggs of endangered sea turtles.. Since 2018, officials have removed 30 tegus from just two counties, but the species has now been reported in 30 counties statewide.

10,000 Sightings Since 2002: Tracking the Tegu's Spread

According to a database by the University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, nearly 10,000 Argentine tegu sightings have been recorded across the United States since 2002. The lizards have now been reported in at least five states: Florida, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, and even Maryland. Wildlife officials are particularly concerned about Georgia, where the population appears to be expanding rapidly, as the Georgia DNR has noted. The reptiles, capable of surviving cold winters through a hibernation-like state called brumation, are proving adaptable to diverse climates.

Why a Single Female Lizard Laying 35 Eggs Is a Problem

Argentine tegus are prolific breeders. A single female can lay up to 35 eggs per year, with most hatchlings emerging during Georgia's summer months of June and July, according to the Georgia DNR. With few natural predators in the U.S., the reptiles can establish populations quickly once they gain a foothold. Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR, told Georgia Public Broadcasting that residents who cannot safely kill a tegu should document it with a photo so officials can set traps. Young tegus are identifiable by bright green heads that fade within the first month, adding another layer to identification efforts.

The Exotic Pet Trade's Unwanted Legacy: From Captivity to Invasion

Wildlife officials believe Argentine tegus were introduced to Georgia through the exotic pet trade. Wild populations became established after some pet tegus escaped or were deliberately released by their owners, the report says. In response , Florida and South Carolina outlawed the reptiles as pets in spring 2021, while Georgia banned any tegus not registered with the Department of Natural Resources before December 4, 2023. Despite these measures, the lizards continue to thrive in the wild. The DNR emphasizes that Argentine tegus are easy to recognize by their black or dark gray bodies covered in distinctive white speckles and bands extending down the tail.

What's at Stake: Eggs of Endangered Sea Turtles and More

The Argentine tegu's insatiable appetite poses a direct threat to native wildlife. The lizards devour quail, chicken, turtle, and even alligator eggs, as well as turkeys, gopher tortoises, and ground-nesting birds, according to the Georgia DNR.. They also feast on fruit, vegetables, and pet food, raisng concerns about potential impacts on farm crops. 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." Additionally, many Argentine tegus carry salmonella, which could pose risks to both wildlife and agriculture.

The Unknown Number: How Many Argentine Tegus Are Out There?

Despite nearly 10,000 sightings, wildlife officials acknowledge they do not know the exact population of Argentine tegus in the U.S. The Georgia DNR has removed just 30 from two counties since 2018, but the actual number could be much higher. Another open question is the potential for these reptiles to introduce foreign parasites to native species, as noted by wildlife officials. Without precise population data, it remains unclear whether current eradication efforts are keeping pace with the tegu's expansion.