An ugly and invasive lizard is making a new home in the state of Georgia, threatening native species as dangerous as the American alligator. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Argentine black and white tegu has so far only been confirmed in two counties in the state.
The lizards, which can grow up to four feet long, have been confirmed in Toombs and Tattnall counties. Authorities are urging residents to remove outdoor pet food that could present an easy meal for the beasts.
Native to South America, it’s believed that the wild breeding populations in the United States are descendants of released pet tegus.
Females can lay roughly 35 eggs every year, explaining the species’ explosion in growth. While only confirmed in two Georgia counties, the tegu may soon make its way north.
Thankfully, residents are cleared to engage the cold-blooded invaders to help stem the tide.
“Note that as a non-native species, tegus in the wild in Georgia are not protected by state wildlife laws or regulations,” the Georgia DNR states.........
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Poster Comment:
This part of (a) globalism -- so much easier to get things from all over the world, and (b) the incurable stupidity of humanity, eg its fascination with "exotic" pets. But if these things are so nasty, why would ppl want 'em? Ugly as homemade sin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegu