Community Corner

VIDEO: Exotic Tegu Lizards Lurking in Florida

Wildlife officials warn Floridians to keep an eye out for exotic Argentine black and white tegu lizards in the Tampa Bay and Miami areas.

Tegus are hatching in urban areas throughout the Sunshine State according to wildlife experts, and they want Floridians to keep an eye out for the lurking reptile.

Argentine black and white tegu lizards are regarded as an invasive species threatening to Florida’s nesting habitats, the University of Florida says in a June report.

The lizards are known for removing other reptilian eggs like unhatched native turtles, alligators and crocodiles from nests.

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Reported earlier this month by WFLA, a 2013 video from the University of Florida which shows tegus stealing alligator and crocodile eggs in the Miami area.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says the source of the nonnative tegus into the Florida ecosystem likely stems from breeders releasing the reptiles into the wild during the 2000s.

Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

These lizards are black and white with banding along their tails. According to FWC, tegus are established in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Polk counties.

State wildlife officials recommend any sighting of the animal be photographed with the location where the lizard was found, and contacting FWC at 1-888-Ive-Got1 (1-888-483-4681) or online at IveGot1.org.


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