The Argentine Lizards have become a big problem for natives of South Carolina causing havoc in the state for years now.
The dog-sized lizards were last seen at Cleveland, Charleston and a sizable number spotted in the Midlands.
There are no signs that show the invasive lizards have been breeding according to Andrew Grosse who is State Herpetologist.
He said the first Tegu pet was sighted in 2020 and since then about 32 of the Argentine lizards have been spotted in different parts of the county. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), about three (3) red and (29) white and black Tegu were seen across 17 counties.
The State agency disclosed it had received a total of 114 cases across 27 counties of people claiming to have spotted the pet. The agency can only confirm if there is photo evidence to prove if indeed it is the animal.
The dog-sized animal is known for eating grasshoppers, chicken eggs, vegetables, plants, and endangered species in the county.
There is no reason why they are on loose but it is believed that people get them as pets but let them go when they grow too big to contain. They can grow to about 5 feet in length. They also have white and black strides on their body.
For now, the lizards have been banned in South Carolina but those who already have them before the law was passed can keep them only if they register them with the NDR.
The Department of Natural Resources has admonished natives to call or email the agency if anyone sees the animal and send a photo.
Residents are given the green light to shoot the animal only if it is legal in your area to use a firearm.
The tegu does not attack humans since its source of mea is from plants and other animals.
It has the ability to increase their body temperature to about 50 degrees above the current temperature.
