09-28-2019, 08:35 PM
from the link:
Argentine black and white tegus are native to South America, but became popular
in the pet trade, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The black and white lizards can live to 20 years old, grow to 4 feet long, and have
powerful jaws with sharp teeth. And now officials in Georgia worry that Argentine
tegus have a wild population living in part of the state.
“Talk of large, odd-looking lizards has been circulating in eastern Toombs and
western Tattnall counties. They’ve been spotted crossing dirt roads. They’ve
turned up on game cams. One was even trapped in a farmer’s shop,” the
department said.
Tegus have long been a problem in South Florida, DNR said, but now they’re
invading Georgia. So far they’ve been found in the two southeastern Georgia
counties, an area west of Savannah, according to DNR.
Wikipedia: Black & White Tegu
Argentine black and white tegus are native to South America, but became popular
in the pet trade, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The black and white lizards can live to 20 years old, grow to 4 feet long, and have
powerful jaws with sharp teeth. And now officials in Georgia worry that Argentine
tegus have a wild population living in part of the state.
“Talk of large, odd-looking lizards has been circulating in eastern Toombs and
western Tattnall counties. They’ve been spotted crossing dirt roads. They’ve
turned up on game cams. One was even trapped in a farmer’s shop,” the
department said.
Tegus have long been a problem in South Florida, DNR said, but now they’re
invading Georgia. So far they’ve been found in the two southeastern Georgia
counties, an area west of Savannah, according to DNR.
Wikipedia: Black & White Tegu