VIDALIA, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is raising awareness around an invasive species that has made its way into Georgia.

The tegu is native to South America and is known to eat the eggs of several species including turkeys and alligators.

These terrestrial lizards are usually found close to the ground. They are strong swimmers and tend to stay in forest clearings, fence rows and roadsides.

Experts say they are not considered aggressive right now, but they will defend themselves.

They have sharp teeth and claws as well as strong jaws. Daniel Sollenberger is a biologist for the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. He says tegus are the number one concern when it comes to reptiles in the state.

“There are other exotic reptile species that are established in Georgia, but they don’t pose nearly the ecological threat tegus do,” Sollenberger said.

If you see a tegu, you should report it whether it is dead or alive. Report them to Georgia’s Invasive Species Task Force by clicking here.

In Toombs and Tattnall counties, several were caught and killed last year.

Tegus eat the eggs of ground nesting birds and reptiles.

They are typically black or dark gray with white speckled bands across their back and tail. They can grow to four feet and weigh up to 10 pounds.

The only legal tegu pets had to be tagged and registered before Dec. 4, 2023.

If you see a tegu in the wild you should report it to the DNR whether it is dead or alive.

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