An unexpected inhabitant has found its way into the terrain of Georgia; a massive lizard indigenous to the South American region, known as the Argentine black and white tegu. This unusual creature is far from a typical Georgia dweller, and its presence has caused quite a stir, as one could imagine.
This alarming species typically resides within the realms of captivity as an exotic pet, far from its native home in South America. However, a troubling trend has led to many of these large reptiles being abandoned in Georgia, turning them into a worrying invasive species, according to Kathy Smith of the Georgia Herpetological Association and Rescue (GHAR).
While owning a tegu is legal, they are subject to certain conditions. All owners are required to register these reptiles with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, implanted with a microchip and, crucially, not bred.
Smith, operating from Rockmart in the south of Rome, heads GHAR. Her mission is to rescue and rehabilitate wandering reptiles, such as tegus. But, although the organization successfully homed many rescued tegus, the problem may stem from where these creatures are not supposed to be— in the wild.
Given their capacity to grow up to four feet in length and eagerness to consume almost anything, including crops and eggs, these lizards pose significant ecological threats. They are not inherently aggressive creatures but are known to act in self-defense if perceived threatened.
The recommendation for Georgia residents who think they’ve spotted or are housing one of these creatures is to avoid any potential conflict. Rather than attempting to apprehend the creature alone, you should take a photograph and dispatch it to GHAR or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Upon capture, these giant reptiles find their way to Smith, who currently houses eight tegus amongst other assorted reptiles, eagerly waiting to place them in suitable homes. Smith affectionately refers to these intriguing creatures as the “puppies of the reptile world”, illuminating their more endearing qualities amidst the chaos their invasive presence has created.
