Invasive tegu reports in Georgia have grown to 56. Where are they?

In Georgia, invasive Argentine tegus have grown to 56 reports across counties, signaling a widening distribution that concerns wildlife officials. The tegu is a large, black-and-white lizard that can reach four feet and weigh about ten pounds, according to Georgia Wildlife. They brumate in burrows through late fall and winter to avoid freezing temperatures and typically breed in spring, laying about 35 eggs per year with a 60-day incubation. Tegus can live up to 20 years, complicating containment efforts. The University of Georgia maintains an interactive map with detailed sightings across the state.

Not formally aggressive toward people, tegus defend themselves with tails, teeth, and claws when threatened, and they pose ecological risks since they have few predators and can reproduce quickly. Their diet includes eggs of ground-nesting birds such as quail and turkeys, as well as American alligators and gopher tortoises, plus fruit and pet food. Control is permitted on private property with the landowner’s permission using legal methods, while traps are prohibited; on Wildlife Management Areas tegus can be killed with firearms during the hunting season. Reports should be directed to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to help biologists document occurrences and respond.