Giant carnivorous lizards rage in the United States

The Tegu lizard , native to South America, has invaded Florida and is now spreading to Georgia. At 1.2 meters long and weighing at least 4.5kg, this species is becoming a threat to the animals that need protection when eating both American crocodile eggs and Gopher turtles. Although Tegu's lizards are not aggressive to humans, they can attack with sharp teeth and an extremely strong tail when threatened.

The Tegu lizard is very voracious. (Photo: Weather Channel).

Georgia state officials said the Tegu lizards could be fleeing pets or being released. They called on people to report back if they were found alive or dead, along with their location and photos. People in Toombs and Tattnal counties are required not to leave pet food outdoors, filling in gaps where lizards can hide and clear gardens.

"The Tegu lizard is an invasive alien species in some parts of southern Florida and now appears in Georgia's Toombs and Tattnal counties. We are trying to eradicate them in the wild because they can work. negative impact on native animals. Tegu lizards eat whatever they want, both plants and animals, " said John Jensen, an officer at the Georgia Natural Resources Authority (DNR).

The white and black Tegu lizard is native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. They were taken to the United States as pets. They are active during the day, moving both on land and in water. They often appear in grasslands and forests, but hibernate during the cold season. Tegu lizards have very few predators and rapidly increase in numbers. A female lizard can lay about 35 eggs a year.