A spring surge in tegu sightings, including some of the youngest ones seen yet, has DNR again urging Toombs, Tattnall and adjacent counties to keep watch for Argentine black and white tegus.

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: As a non-native species, tegus in the wild can be trapped or killed on private property with the landowner’s permission and in accordance with local ordinances.

However, please report all sightings of alive or dead tegus in the wild – with photos if possible – to DNR. Those reports help gauge the spread of these big, invasive reptiles.

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Native to South America, Argentine black and white tegus are a threat to native Georgia wildlife. They can grow over 4 feet long and eat everything from small animals to plants and fruit. But tegus favor eggs, whether from chickens, ground-nesting birds such as quail and turkeys or other reptiles, including alligators and gopher tortoises, Georgia’s state reptile.

Dead black, gray and cream-colored tegu on black truck tailgate with roll of black electric tape for size comparison

Young tegu killed in June in western Tattnall County (Jim Gillis/GaDNR)

Although tegus occasionally turn up around the state, the only known wild population is in Tattnall and Toombs counties. There were at least 10 credible sightings in the southeast Georgia counties this spring. Three of the tegus killed likely hatched last year, the youngest documented since DNR began monitoring, according to experts who saw the animals or photos.

The sightings point to an established and possibly growing wild population. DNR is working with area residents and Georgia Southern University to assess and remove invasive tegus.

Daniel Sollenberger, a DNR senior wildlife biologist, has explained that tegus in the wild can be killed, particularly considering they are quick and hard to catch. “If you’re not in a position to (safely) use a firearm or something like that, try to document it with a photo and let us know,” Sollenberger added. (Listen to this Georgia Public Broadcasting interview.)

View map of reports and learn more about tegus in Georgia at georgiawildlife.com/tegus.

DNR staff in black shirt and khaki pants looking at wire trap in green/brown forest setting

DNR’s Jim Gills checks a trap set for tegus (GaDNR)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • Tell DNR about tegus seen in the wild, alive or dead. Take a photo if possible and report the sighting and location to gainvasives.org/argentine-black-and-white-tegu, (478) 994-1438 or gainvasives@dnr.ga.gov. Reports help assess the spread of tegus.
  • Note that as a non-native species, tegus in the wild in Georgia are not protected by state wildlife laws or regulations. They can be legally trapped or killed year-round on private property with landowner permission, in accordance with applicable local ordinances and appropriate safety precautions.
  • In the Toombs and Tattnall counties area, keep pet food inside, fill holes that might serve as shelter and clear yards of brush and debris that can provide cover for tegus.
  • Be a responsible pet owner. Do your research before buying an exotic pet and don’t let it loose. Georgia classifies Argentine black and white tegus as wild animals. Unless they were registered with DNR and tagged before Dec. 4, 2023, they cannot be kept as pets. Importing and breeding any wild animal species is also illegal.
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