The Argentine black and white tegus is a 4-foot-long reptile. It has been spotted in at least two counties in Georgia. The Orianne Society said, “Tegus seen in Georgia can and should be shot on sight.”
“These large lizards are voracious predators that have been found consuming a variety of natural wildlife in the longer-established Florida populations.”
The reptiles are believed to have been established from escaped pets. The creatures grow to 4 feet and weigh more than 10 pounds. They eat small animals and are especially fond of eggs, which makes them dangerous to protected species.
The reptiles had been sighted in southern Georgia before, but it was generally believed they would not establish themselves in that environment.