Hundreds of dog-sized lizards are wreaking havoc in South Carolina
Hundreds of lizards the size of dogs are causing chaos in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) have issued a fresh warning about Argentine Black and White Tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years now.
They were recently spotted in Cleveland, Charleston and in the Midlands.
State Herpetologist Andrew Grosse said Friday that no evidence has been found that shows that the invasive lizards have been breeding, The State reported.
Grosse said the first Tegu was discovered there in 2020, and since then the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) have confirmed 32 sightings across 17 counties.
Of the 32, 29 were Argentine black and white tegu, while the other three were red.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have issued a fresh warning about Argentine Black and White Tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years now
The agency received a total of 114 reports across 27 counties claiming to have seen the creature, but it can only confirm if there is an image of the species, or if it's captured, Grosse revealed.
The non-native lizards have specifically been invading the state's natural ecosystem and consuming quail, turkey, alligator and ground-nesting bird eggs.
They have also been feasting on gopher tortoises, fruit, vegetables, plants, carrion, small live animals, pet food, and chicken eggs.
Tegu have also been known to eat grasshoppers and young gopher tortoises, an endangered species in the Palmetto State.
The species have been banned in the state since Memorial Day weekend in 2021, making it illegal to bring the lizards there or breed them.
Despite the ban, people who own tegu as pets were allowed to keep their lizards, but had to get them properly registered with the SCDNR.
Although it is unclear why the species are still on the loose, experts believe that humans are possibly setting their pets free after they grow too large.
The invasive lizards that can grow up to five feet long, have been spotted in Cleveland, the Charleston mountains and in the Midlands
The non-native lizards have specifically been invading the state's natural ecosystem and consuming quail, turkey, alligator and ground-nesting bird eggs
Tegu can grow to about five feet in length, and this specific kind has distinctive black and white scales along its body.
They are not known to hurt humans, but are known as predators that feast on both plants and animals.
They are native to Paraguay, northern Argentina and eastern Uruguay, the outlet reported.
Compared to other lizards, Tegu can withstand the cold and can raise their body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate.
Around this time of year, tegus start to brumate, or settle down and not move for weeks on end in the colder weather.
There are wild tegus populations in Florida and Georgia.
Compared to other lizards, Tegus can withstand the cold and can raise their body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate
Rudy Mancke, a local naturalist who died last year, described how tegu lizards should be caught.
'You can take an old sheet and just throw it out in the air holding the ends, and let it just settle down on it, and that animal will just stay there until people come.
'It’s hidden, figures nobody sees it. It’s a great way to catch an animal. I’ve had good success with that. That’s a safe way of doing it,' he said.
Mancke made it clear that the lizard should not just be picked up, because although their bite is not venomous, it can be extremely strong and painful.
The agency has urged anyone who sees a tegu to contact them immediately via phone or email, and send a photo if possible.
Residents are allowed to shoot the invasive reptile, but only if it is legal to do so in that area.
