Invasive Tegus spreading to Southwest Florida

The Argentinian Black and White Tegu, Salvator merianae, has been a problem in Southeast Florida for a while now, the lizard has established populations in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough and Polk County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, but it is now spreading to the Southwest region, particularly Collier County.

“This is public enemy number one–the Argentine Tegu,” - Ian Bartoszek, Biologist - Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Wildlife experts have mailed 7,200 postcards to the Collier County as a warning for residents to report a sighting immediately. Residents are urged to call 1-888-IVE-GOT1 if they see a tegu or send a picture of the animal to www.IveGot1.org. To read the whole article in the Palm Beach Post click here - Gallery photo by RamblinRose