Tegu Lizard is Florida's Latest Invasive Wildlife Threat
Posted on March 1, 2014
The tegu lizard is the latest threat to native Florida wildlife. The black-and-white lizards can reach up to four feet in length. The exotic lizards, native to South America, are reportedly now breeding in parts of the state. A USA Today story says over 100 of the lizards have been spotted in Hillsborough County. The lizards have been spreading because people buy them when they are little as pets and then release them when they get too big.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released a brochure (PDF) about the lizards. The brochure warns people not to try and capture the lizards:
While a tegu is not likely to be innately aggressive it will defend itself if aggravated or threatened. Tegus have sharp teeth, strong jaws, and sharp claws which they will use to defend themselves. The best method for removing tegus is by trapping.
The tegu lizard loves to eat eggs so they are serious threat to native birds and reptiles. Dr. Deby Cassill, a biology professor at University of South Florida, says the lizard has powerful jaws and tegu bites have been known to crush the bones in human fingers. Take a look:
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