Hundreds of lizards the size of dogs have caused chaos in South Carolina: what are these predators and why are they being called for to be caught. Photo.

In the United States, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has issued a new warning about Argentine black-and-white Tegu lizards, which have been wreaking havoc in the state for years. These reptiles can grow up to 1.5 meters long.

The agency has received 114 reports from 27 counties claiming to have seen a dog-sized lizard. These non-native scaly ones have deliberately invaded the state's natural ecosystem and eat the eggs of quail, turkeys, alligators, and land birds, the DailyMail writes.

State herpetologist Andrew Gross said that the first Tegu was discovered in South Carolina in 2020. Since then, the Department of Natural Resources has confirmed 32 sightings in 17 counties.

In addition to eating the eggs of native birds, Argentine lizards also prey on young gopher tortoises, which are endangered in the Palmetto State. Therefore, these reptiles are banned from breeding in South Carolina.

Despite the ban, people who own Tegu as pets are allowed to keep their lizards, but they must register them with the SCDNR. However, there are cases when people release these reptiles into the wild because they grow large.

Wild populations of the Tegu are known to exist in Florida and Georgia.

Zoologists advise against catching these lizards with your bare hands. Although its bite is not venomous, it can be extremely strong and painful.

The Department of Natural Resources has urged anyone who sees a Tegu to contact them immediately by phone or email and, if possible, send a photo.

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

According to zoologists, Argentine black-and-white Tegu are native to Paraguay, northern Argentina and eastern Uruguay. These lizards can withstand the cold and raise their body temperature by 50 degrees above the current climate.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!