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(CNN) — An invasive species of giant lizard native to South America is invading the southeastern United States and threatens native wildlife.
The Argentine black and white tegu is native to South America and eats the eggs of birds that nest on the ground, according the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. They grow up to 1.2 meters long and can weigh more than 5 kilos. They also eat fruits, vegetables, insects, and eggs.
Wildlife officials are concerned that invasive species will compete with native animals for food and other resources, cause habitat damage and transmit disease.
Invasive species can prey on native wildlife, so the department has a strategy to conserve indigenous species and their habitats throughout the state.
Lizards also have few predators, so they can multiply quickly.
It’s unclear how they were released into the wild, but tegu lizards are legal as pets in many states, so it is possible that a domestic lizard was released, on purpose or accidentally.
In Georgia, Department of Natural Resources officials began investigating reports of tegu in eastern Toombs and western Tattnall counties in May.
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The department is working with the U.S. Geological Society and the University of South Georgia to trap the animals, remove them and assess their population. Trapped tegus are euthanized and their diet and reproductive status are documented.
Invasive lizard sightings
In August there was a confirmed sighting in South Carolina, the first. Wildlife experts are asking residents to document where they see the animal so they can trace its whereabouts.
Lizards are also known to occur in Florida, with official sightings in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, St. Lucie and Charlotte counties.
Tegus pose little of a threat to humans, but they can bite.
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