Georgia Officials Are Urging Residents to Kill the Invasive, Fast-Moving Lizards That Are Spreading Across the State

[1srelluc]

• Argentine black-and-white tegus, invasive lizards from South America, are spreading across multiple counties in Georgia

• The reptiles threaten native wildlife by eating eggs of ground-nesting birds and protected species like gopher tortoises
• 
  
• Georgia residents are encouraged to report sightings, as the lizards reproduce quickly and are difficult to capture

A large invasive lizard is spreading across Georgia, and wildlife officials are asking the public for help eradicating it.

According to local news outlet WSB-TV, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has documented more than 20 Argentine black-and-white tegus in the wild across Toombs and Tattnall counties in southeast Georgia, with sightings stretching from Lyons, Ga., to Reidsville, Ga. The agency is now actively working to assess the severity of the invasive species' spread.

The reptiles, native to South America, can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more, according to the agency's Wildlife Resources Division. Scientists say they are likely to spread well beyond their current range in the region, given that they move quickly, are strong swimmers (and can remain submerged for long periods), and can survive Georgia winters by entering a hibernation-like state called brumation.

Georgia Officials Are Urging Residents to Kill the Invasive, Fast-Moving Lizards That Are Spreading Across the State

Georgia officials are asking residents to report or remove Argentine black and white tegus, as the invasive species threatens native wildlife

www.yahoo.com

I wonder how they taste?

Never mind.....Darn....Argentine black-and-white tegus are not safe to eat.

 

[Gabe Lackmann]

Why would anyone want one of those stupid lizards?

 

[Mikeoxenormous]

• Argentine black-and-white tegus, invasive lizards from South America, are spreading across multiple counties in Georgia
• The reptiles threaten native wildlife by eating eggs of ground-nesting birds and protected species like gopher tortoises
• 
  
• Georgia residents are encouraged to report sightings, as the lizards reproduce quickly and are difficult to capture

A large invasive lizard is spreading across Georgia, and wildlife officials are asking the public for help eradicating it.

According to local news outlet WSB-TV, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has documented more than 20 Argentine black-and-white tegus in the wild across Toombs and Tattnall counties in southeast Georgia, with sightings stretching from Lyons, Ga., to Reidsville, Ga. The agency is now actively working to assess the severity of the invasive species' spread.

The reptiles, native to South America, can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more, according to the agency's Wildlife Resources Division. Scientists say they are likely to spread well beyond their current range in the region, given that they move quickly, are strong swimmers (and can remain submerged for long periods), and can survive Georgia winters by entering a hibernation-like state called brumation.

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Georgia Officials Are Urging Residents to Kill the Invasive, Fast-Moving Lizards That Are Spreading Across the State

Georgia officials are asking residents to report or remove Argentine black and white tegus, as the invasive species threatens native wildlife

www.yahoo.com

I wonder how they taste?

Never mind.....Darn....Argentine black-and-white tegus are not safe to eat.

Should that include invasive 2 legged creatures that harm other 2 legged creatures? A friend wants to know?

 

[protectionist]

If the reduce the populations of alligators & pythons, I'm OK with that. I wonder how they got here though. Argentina is a long way away.

 

[1srelluc]

Why would anyone want one of those stupid lizards?

I suspect it like the Boa Constrictors in FL.....Ain't it cute.....Till it chokes out the family dog.

Kid has lizard as pet, goes off to college or otherwise leaves home, Ma & Pa say to hell with that but instead of killing it they cut it loose.....Too big to flush down the shitter.

 

[Lockback]

Whew. For a second, I thought this might be a warning about Democrats ...