Hundreds of dog-sized lizards are wreaking havoc in South Carolina

Hundreds of lizards the size of dogs are causing chaos in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has issued a new warning about the Argentine black-and-white Tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years.

They were recently spotted in Cleveland, the Charleston mountains and in the Midlands.

State herpetologist Andrew Grosse said Friday that no evidence has been found to show the invasive lizards have reproduced. The state reported.

Grosse said the first Tegu was discovered there in 2020, and since then the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has confirmed 32 sightings in 17 counties.

Of the 32, 29 were Argentine black and white tegu, while the other three were red.

The agency received a total of 114 reports from 27 provinces claiming to have seen the creature, but it can only confirm whether there is an image of the species or whether it has been captured, Grosse revealed.

The non-native lizards have specifically invaded the state’s natural ecosystem, consuming the eggs of quail, turkey, alligators and ground-nesting birds.

They also feasted on gopher tortoises, fruits, vegetables, plants, carrion, small live animals, pet food and chicken eggs.

Tegu are also known to eat grasshoppers and young gopher tortoises, both endangered species in the Palmetto State.

The species has been banned in the state since Memorial Day weekend in 2021, making it illegal to bring or breed the lizards there.

Despite the ban, people who had pet tegu were allowed to keep their lizards, but they had to be properly registered with the SCDNR.

While it’s unclear why the species is still roaming free, experts believe people may be releasing their pets after they grow too big.

The invasive lizards, which can grow up to five feet in length, have been spotted in Cleveland, the Charleston mountains and in the Midlands

The non-native lizards have specifically invaded the state’s natural ecosystem, consuming quail, turkey, alligators and ground-nesting bird eggs

Tegu can grow to about five feet in length, and this particular species has distinctive black and white scales along its body.

They are not known to hurt humans but are known to be predators that feast on both plants and animals.

They are originally from Paraguay, northern Argentina and eastern Uruguay, the newspaper reported.

Compared to other lizards, Tegu can withstand the cold and can raise its body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate.

Around this time of year, tegus begin to breed, or settle down and don’t move for weeks in the colder weather.

There are wild tegus populations in Florida and Georgia.

Compared to other lizards, Tegus can withstand the cold and can raise its body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate

Rudy Mancke, a local naturalist who died last year, described how to capture tegu lizards.

“You can take an old sheet and just throw it up in the air, holding the ends, and leave it on there, and that animal will just stay there until people come.”

‘It’s hidden, I don’t think anyone sees it. It’s a great way to catch an animal. I’ve had good success with that. That’s a safe way to do it,” he said.

Mancke made it clear that the lizard should not be simply picked up because although their bite is not poisonous, it can be extremely strong and painful.

The agency has urged anyone who sees a tegu to contact them immediately by phone or email and send a photo if possible.

Residents are allowed to shoot the invasive reptile, but only if it is legal in that area.