5 Things You Need to Know About the Georgia Argentine Tegu Invasive Crisis
- These large, black-and-white lizards, native to Argentina, have established a breeding population in Georgia, particularly in Toombs and Tattnall counties, and their appetite for eggs threatens native wildlife like gopher tortoises and quail.
- Known as the "Godzilla of lizards," adult Argentine tegus can grow up to four feet long, devouring everything from fruit and insects to small animals and pet food left outdoors.
- Georgia officials are pleading with residents to capture and report any sightings immediately, as the reptiles can survive mild winters and their burrowing habits damage infrastructure like roads and garden beds.
- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has launched a dedicated reporting hotline and even offers online training for homeowners to safely trap tegus without harming protected species.
- Experts warn the invasive species could spread beyond southern Georgia if left unchecked, potentially wreaking havoc on the state's agricultural crops and native ecosystems.