Georgia officials tracking invasive tegus that can grow 4 feet long
A large invasive lizard native to South America has established a wild population in southeast Georgia , and state wildlife officials are asking residents to report sightings as they work to keep the reptiles from spreading. The Argentine black and white tegu can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. DNR says Georgia's only known wild population is in Toombs and Tattnall counties. The agency has been investigating reports of the reptiles in the area since 2018. Although tegus are occasionally reported in other parts of Georgia, DNR says those sightings generally involve escaped or released pets rather than additional established wild populations. Where have invasive tegus been found in Georgia? The only known wild population of Argentine black and white tegus in Georgia is in Toombs and Tattnall counties, according to DNR. The agency began investigating reports in eastern Toombs County and western Tattnall County in 2018. DNR is working with the public and other partners to track sightings, trap the reptiles and assess the population. The University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health maintains a map of reported Argentine black and white
