Georgia Officials Are Urging Residents to Kill the Invasive, Fast-Moving Lizards That Are Spreading Across the State

Georgia’s wildlife authorities are urging the public to assist in combating the invasive Argentine black and white tegu lizard, which poses a significant threat to the state’s native ecosystems. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported sightings of these reptiles across various counties, with so far, more than 20 documented instances in the southeast regions of Toombs and Tattnall. The DNR is particularly concerned that the species will continue to spread beyond its current locations.

Originating from South America, Argentine black and white tegus are substantial lizards, reaching lengths of up to 4 feet and weighing over 10 pounds. Their rapid movement and strong swimming abilities, along with a hibernation-like state known as brumation that allows them to withstand Georgia’s winter months, facilitate their expansion into new territories. They have been spotted in up to 30 counties across Georgia, raising alarm among conservationists and wildlife officials about the ecological risks they pose.

These lizards have a voracious appetite, feeding predominantly on the eggs of ground-nesting birds, such as quail and turkey, as well as the young of protected species, including gopher tortoises and American alligators. The impact on the state’s native wildlife is concerning, as the tegus have the potential to disrupt local food chains and biodiversity. They are also known to consume carrion, chicken eggs, fruits, pet food, and small animals, raising further concerns about their role in the ecosystem.

Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, has highlighted the challenges of capturing these evasive creatures. He emphasises the importance of acting swiftly upon sighting a tegu. “If you’re not in a position to use a firearm or something like that, try to document it with a photo and let us know,” he advised. The DNR is prepared to provide guidance to residents on how to best handle sightings of these lizards.

Notably, due to their status as non-native species, Argentine black and white tegus are not protected under Georgia’s wildlife laws. This means property owners have the legal right to humanely trap and remove these lizards year-round, provided they have the necessary permissions and adhere to local regulations. The DNR has encouraged residents to take proactive measures on their properties, such as securing pet food in sealed containers and clearing brush piles that might offer refuge to the lizards.

The capacity of these lizards to reproduce at a rapid rate is alarming. A single female tegu can lay around 35 eggs annually, achieving reproductive maturity quickly. This characteristic underscores the urgency of intervention by both wildlife authorities and local residents to restrain their population growth before it becomes unmanageable.

While tegus do not pose a direct threat to domestic pets like dogs and cats, the DNR still recommends that residents in affected counties remain vigilant and take precautions. Keeping pet food secured, filling in holes that could serve as burrows, and maintaining a tidy outdoor environment can help deter these invasive lizards from settling nearby.

In recent years, Georgia has actively worked to contain the spread of various invasive species, and the case of the Argentine black and white tegu is no different. Since 2018, around 30 tegus have been captured or killed in the Toombs and Tattnall counties alone, indicating that while efforts are being made, much more needs to be done to manage this growing threat.

Wildlife officials continue to evaluate the situation closely, seeking to understand the extent of the tegu’s spread and devise strategies for their control. Engaging the community and fostering a proactive approach from residents is seen as a pivotal element in addressing this invasive species problem. Only through collective action can Georgia hope to mitigate the impact of the Argentine black and white tegu on its native wildlife and preserve its ecological integrity.