Georgia
Argentine tegus up to 56 sightings in GA. Have you seen these invaders?
Georgia is being invaded by tegu lizards that are taking over the state
Argentine black and white tegus have not been a threat to humans and common household pets, but do pose a danger to native species.
USA TODAY
Georgians pride themselves on Southern hospitality, but there’s one animal that’s overstayed its welcome.
The state department of natural resources and its partners are working hard to remove the Argentine tegus trying to build a home here.
What is a tegu?
The tegu is a large, invasive, commonly black and white lizard from Argentina. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weighing 10 pounds or more, according to Georgia Wildlife. Unlike some other lizards, the tegu rarely climbs more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers.
From late fall and through the winter months, tegus head into burrows for brumation, a hibernation-type period, to avoid freezing temperatures. They usually breed in the spring and typically lay 35 eggs per year which have a 60-day incubation. They may live up to 20 years.
What does a tegu look like?
The Argentine tegu has mottled black and white skin. The colors are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. The green fades after they reach about one month of age.
Where have tegus been reported in Georgia?
The University of Georgia runs an interactive map with detailed info about tegus in Georgia. Over the last few years, there have been 56 reports spread out across counties across the state. Here are the counties with the most reports:
- Tattnall County: 16
- Toombs County: 10
- Gwinnett County: 5
Are tegus dangerous?
Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened, according to Georgia Wildlife. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They also have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.
Tegus also represent a natural threat because they have few predators and can multiple quickly. They eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles like the American alligator and gopher tortoise which are protected species. They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals.
Can you kill a tegu if you see it?
Tegus can be trapped or killed on private property in Georgia with the landowner’s permission and using legal methods in accordance with local ordinances, animal cruelty laws, and safety precautions.
Also, on public Wildlife Management Areas, tegus can be killed with firearms legal for the current hunting season. Using traps to catch tegus is not allowed. Anyone who sees a tegu on a WMA should also alert that region’s Game Management office.
How do you report a possible tegu?
Contact Georgia DNR when you see a tegu in the wild, dead or alive. These reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting:
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Georgia
The Farmer’s Dog Partners with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine to Advance Veterinary Nutrition Training
The leader in human-grade dog food invests in the next generation of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists®
NEW YORK, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Farmer’s Dog, the leader in gently-cooked, human-grade dog food, today announced a partnership with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Through a gift funding a Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Residency Position, the company continues its commitment to building the next generation of veterinary nutrition specialists — marking its second university residency sponsorship.
“Since we started The Farmer’s Dog 12 years ago, veterinarians have been central to everything we do,” said Jonathan Regev, co-founder and CEO of The Farmer’s Dog. “We believe advancing canine health starts with investing in the people and research that moves the field forward. By sponsoring this residency program with a top-tier institution like the University of Georgia, we’re investing in the next generation of veterinary nutrition specialists while advancing our understanding of how real food can help dogs live longer, healthier lives.”
The residency is a three-year, fully funded program in small animal clinical nutrition, led by faculty mentors Jackie Parr, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Nutrition) and Joseph Bartges, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine and Nutrition). Designed for graduate veterinarians, it combines advanced clinical education with meaningful research experience, and prepares residents to pursue board certification as a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
“Veterinary clinical nutrition residencies remain critically scarce, which makes philanthropic support like this essential to growing the next generation of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists®,” said Dr. Jackie Parr, Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® and ACVIM Nutrition Residency Program Director at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. “Our program will reach a milestone we’re incredibly proud of — three residents in training at the same time, for the first time. Partnering with industry leaders like The Farmer’s Dog makes that possible, and we’re grateful for their commitment to the future of veterinary nutrition.”
The UGA residency builds on The Farmer’s Dog’s broader investment and growing portfolio in veterinary education and nutrition science. In partnership with leading institutions, the company has supported residency training programs and research exploring healthy aging, hydration, urinary health, metabolism, and other areas of canine health. Last year, the company shared a first-of-its-kind study suggesting that dogs fed food from The Farmer’s Dog showed meaningful improvements in metabolic health markers — adding to growing evidence that minimally processed food can enhance metabolic function and support healthier aging.
“The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to advancing animal health through excellence in education, clinical training, and research,” said Dr. Lisa K. Nolan, Georgia Athletics Association Distinguished Professor and Dean of the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “The Farmer’s Dog’s sponsorship of a three-year Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Residency Program represents a meaningful investment in the future of veterinary medicine and the development of highly trained specialists who will advance evidence-based nutritional care for companion animals. We are grateful for their partnership and shared commitment to improving animal health through nutrition.”
Having served more than 1 billion meals, The Farmer’s Dog continues to invest in research, training, and scientific discovery to advance the role of nutrition in supporting canine health and wellbeing.
About The Farmer’s Dog: For more than a decade, The Farmer’s Dog has been setting a higher bar for pet care by providing freshly cooked meal plans designed to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. Our on-staff team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists®, PhD nutritionists, and veterinarians work to develop recipes packed with the nutrients dogs need, while avoiding the downsides of excess processing. Every meal is complete and balanced, made to human-grade safety standards, and delivered directly to customers’ doors. Available at www.thefarmersdog.com and Walmart.com. Not available in Hawaii or Alaska.
Contact: [email protected]
About the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine: The University of Georgia is a leading public research university committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Since its first graduating class in 1950, its College of Veterinary Medicine has shaped the future of animal and human health, training generations of veterinary professionals, driving discovery, and serving communities near and far.
SOURCE The Farmer’s Dog
Courtesy of Union County Sheriff’s Office
UNION COUNTY, Ga. – A regional drug trafficking investigation spanning North Carolina and North Georgia has resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine and fentanyl that authorities say could have ended up in communities across both states.
What we know:
Law enforcement agencies from Cherokee County, North Carolina, and the Georgia counties of Union, Gilmer and Fannin worked together on the operation, which targeted suspected drug traffickers operating throughout the region.
Investigators said the effort led to the recovery of more than three ounces of methamphetamine and roughly half an ounce of fentanyl. Authorities believe the narcotics were destined for distribution in North Carolina and Georgia.
Two people, identified as Forest Shane Lynn and Starla Normand, were arrested June 22 and charged with narcotics trafficking.
Officials said Gilmer County’s newly deployed K-9, Ruckus, assisted during the investigation and helped officers locate evidence connected to the case.
Agencies highlight regional cooperation
What they’re saying:
Law enforcement leaders credited the outcome to cooperation between agencies that routinely work together to combat drug trafficking across county and state lines.
Authorities said information from the public, combined with intelligence gathered by investigators, helped officers identify and disrupt the alleged trafficking operation before the drugs reached local streets.
Investigators noted that fentanyl remains one of the most dangerous substances encountered by law enforcement because even small amounts can be deadly.
Investigation remains ongoing
What’s next:
Officials say they remain focused on identifying and arresting people responsible for bringing illegal drugs into the region.
The investigation involved members of the Union County Safe Streets Task Force, Cherokee County narcotics agents and deputies from Gilmer County. Authorities have not said whether additional arrests are expected.
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