NORTH KEY LARGO, Fla. – The Burmese python is not the only invasive reptile destroying Florida’s precious wildlife.
Recommended Videos
The dog-sized Black and White Tegu has been spotted in South Florida.
The Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex posted on social media that the first verified report of the destructive invasive lizard on North Key Largo was recorded on Tuesday.
Scientists urge that if you are traveling near North Key Largo on Card Sound Road, please be on the lookout for the giant lizards.
The posting noting that, “reporting sightings is crucial for slowing their spread and protecting vulnerable species from predation, including the American crocodile and the Key Largo woodrat.”
Tegus also eat threatened juvenile gopher tortoises.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, “Argentine black and white tegus are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife.”
They are native to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, and can reach nearly five-feet in length.
Tegus can run at high speeds and are also strong swimmers.
They are sometimes kept as pets and scientists say they are unusually intelligent and can be housebroken.
If you see a Tegu, contact the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 1-888-Ive-Got1.