Reports of an invasive lizard in Florida have grown over the past couple of months, according to data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
These lizards — black and white Argentine tegus — are native to many parts of South America, though thanks to the pet trade, they were eventually released into the Sunshine State’s wilderness.
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Researchers say that the state began trapping and removing tegus back in 2009, but despite these efforts, the lizards’ population has boomed and expanded across the state — especially in South Florida.
Tegus are typically large, reaching nearly 5 feet long in some cases. They also have mottled black-and-white coloring that creates a banding pattern across their bodies.
While tegus eat fruits, vegetables and insects, the animals also eat meat, such as frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, small mammals, and turtles. They also eat the eggs of other reptiles (including alligators and crocodiles), posing a risk to many native wildlife.
“The discovery of gopher tortoise hatchlings in the gut content of five tegus from Central Florida confirms their threat to imperiled and protected species in Florida,” the UF/IFAS website reads.
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These tegus may be dangerous to people, as well. They aren’t considered aggressive toward humans, though they may attack with sharp teeth, claws, strong jaws and a lashing tail if they feel threatened.
As of March 28, reported sightings of tegus in Florida were as follows:
According to the UF/IFAS, the tegu population is mainly entrenched in Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties, though the species has more recently begun to emerge in St. Lucie County.
In fact, there were over 380 reported sightings of these tegus in St. Lucie County just last year, showing that area has been struggling with their expansion. It also points to the threat of further expansion along Florida’s east coast.
Furthermore, nearly every county in Central Florida has reported at least one sighting of these creatures. A tegu was reported out of Orange County last month, and a sighting was recorded in Brevard County on March 20.
Sightings may continue to ramp up in the coming months, as early spring kicks off tegu breeding season — a big boost after hibernating all winter.
To help mitigate their numbers, Florida allows residents to humanely kill tegus on private property with the landowner’s permission, even without a permit or hunting license.
If you spot one, the FWC urges that you report the sighting via the agency’s website here.
