Hundreds of dog-sized lizards are causing chaos in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has issued a new warning about Argentine black and white tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years.
They were recently spotted in Cleveland, the Charleston Mountains and the Midlands.
State herpetologist Andrew Grosse said Friday that no evidence has been found to show the invasive lizards have been breeding. The State reported.
Grosse said the first Tegu was discovered there in 2020, and since then the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has confirmed 32 sightings in 17 counties.
Of the 32, 29 were black and white Argentine tegu, while the other three were red.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has issued a new warning about Argentine black and white tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years.
The agency received a total of 114 reports in 27 counties claiming to have seen the creature, but can only confirm whether there is an image of the species or whether it was captured, Grosse revealed.
The non-native lizards have specifically been invading the state’s natural ecosystem and consuming the eggs of quail, turkey, alligator, and ground-nesting birds.
They have also feasted on tortoises, fruits, vegetables, plants, carrion, small live animals, pet food and chicken eggs.
Tegu are also known to eat grasshoppers and young gopher turtles, both of which are endangered species in the Palmetto State.
The species has been banned in the state since Memorial Day weekend in 2021, making it illegal to bring lizards there or breed them.
Despite the ban, people who own tegu as pets were allowed to keep their lizards, but had to properly register them with the SCDNR.
Although it is unclear why the species remains on the loose, experts believe it is possible that humans release their pets when they grow too large.
The invasive lizards that can grow up to five feet long have been seen in Cleveland, the Charleston Mountains and the Midlands.
The non-native lizards have specifically been invading the state’s natural ecosystem and consuming the eggs of quail, turkey, alligator, and ground-nesting birds.
Tegu can grow up to about five feet long, and this specific type has distinctive black and white scales along its body.
They are not known to harm humans, but are known as predators that feed on both plants and animals.
They are native to Paraguay, northern Argentina and eastern Uruguay, the outlet reported.
Compared to other lizards, Tegu can withstand the cold and can raise its body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate.
Around this time of year, tegus begin to brumate, or become calm and do not move for weeks in the colder weather.
There are wild tegus populations in Florida and Georgia.
Compared to other lizards, Tegus can withstand the cold and can raise its body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate.
Rudy Mancke, a local naturalist who died last year, described how tegu lizards should be captured.
‘You can take an old sheet and throw it in the air holding the ends, and let it sit on it, and that animal will stay there until the people arrive.
It’s hidden and I don’t think anyone sees it. It is a great way to catch an animal. I’ve had a lot of success with that. “It’s a safe way to do it,” he said.
Mancke made it clear that you should not simply pick up the lizard, because although its bite is not poisonous, it can be extremely strong and painful.
The agency has urged anyone who sees a tegu to contact them immediately by phone or email and send a photo if possible.
Residents can shoot the invasive reptile, but only if it is legal to do so in that area.
