Invasive lizard spotted in SWFL, experts warn residents

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – They’re fast, they’re invasive, and they’re in Southwest Florida.

“Southwest Florida, this is public enemy number one–the Argentine Tegu,” Ian Bartoszek, a biologist for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida said.

Coming in at about 4-feet long, these aren’t your normal tree-dwelling lizards. The invasive species has already been spotted in Collier County back in March.

“We’ve tried to trap this animal, haven’t been able to find him and since then more sightings are popping up in the Golden Gate Estates area,” Bartoszek said.

Wildlife experts mailed out 7,200 postcards between the Collier County Extension Office and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary warning residents that if they see one they should report it immediately.

This area is where the first sighting was, but since then, many have reported tegu sightings outside of that area.

“It eats small birds and lizards, so it’s a disruption of the natural ecosystem and this could become the next Burmese Python in Southwest Florida if we don’t act soon,” Bartoszek said.

However, tegus are commonly mixed up with the Nile Monitor lizard or Spiny Iguanas–both are considered invasive.

Some people who live near Golden Gate Estates say they have never seen a tegu, but the thought of one lurking in their backyard is a little unsettling.

“I’m worried about the dogs. I’m not really scared because I can just run inside,” 10-year-old Brandon Jimenez said.

Tegus, like a lot of wildlife, are not interested in attacking humans. However, they will act aggressively if you approach them or if they feel threatened. Experts also say pet food that is left outside may attract tegus to your yard.

Although there have only been a couple of confirmed sightings in Southwest Florida, Bartoszek is hoping to put an end to the problem before it gets worse.

“It just takes two tegus to tango, and then we’re going to have a problem.”

If you think you see a tegu, you’re asked to take a picture if you can and sent it to www.IveGot1.org or call 1-888-IVE-GOT1. You can also use the app “IveGot1.”