WILD ARGENTINE TEGU LIZARDS SPREADING THROUGH GEORGIA, STATE OFFICIALS ISSUE URGENT WARNING
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has issued an urgent public advisory regarding the rapid spread of the invasive Argentine tegu lizard across multiple counties. Officials report that the large, black-and-white reptiles, which can grow up to four feet in length, have established breeding populations in at least six southern Georgia counties since their initial detection in 2020. The Argentine tegu, native to South America, poses a significant threat to native wildlife, including ground-nesting birds such as quail and wild turkey, as well as gopher tortoises and small mammals. Wildlife biologists attribute the invasion to escaped or released pet tegus, which thrive in Georgia’s warm climate and lack natural predators. Residents are urged to report all sightings immediately via phone or the department’s online portal, and to avoid handling the lizards due to their powerful jaws and potential to carry salmonella. The Georgia DNR is coordinating with federal agencies to implement trapping and removal efforts, but warns that public assistance is critical to containing the species before it spreads further north.