A young man in the video above was perplexed when he discovered claw marks outside his animals’ enclosures, leading to an attack on his red-foot tortoises. Determined to solve the mystery, he set up live traps and, to his surprise, caught a black and white tegu. These Argentine tegus, not native to the U.S., have become increasingly prevalent in the South and Southeast, posing a threat to local wildlife.
Tegus are large ground-dwelling lizards from South America, with the Argentine black and white tegu being the largest species found in the U.S. Known for their stocky bodies, powerful tails, and distinctive jowls, tegus have sharp teeth and claws for hunting and burrowing. Male tegus use their prominent jowls to attract females, making them stand out in the wild.
Native to tropical rainforests and savannas in South America, tegus are adaptable to various habitats, including semi-desert regions and altered landscapes. They are terrestrial creatures that prefer a ground-dwelling lifestyle, with impressive swimming abilities to endure extreme conditions. However, tegus’ introduction to the U.S. through the pet trade has led to their invasive status in many states, as they pose a threat to native wildlife by preying on protected species and carrying diseases like salmonella.
To mitigate the impact of tegus on local ecosystems, many states have enforced regulations on pet tegu ownership and require registration. The young man’s discovery sheds light on the challenges posed by invasive species and the importance of conservation efforts to protect native fauna.
The article entitled “Creature Terrorizing His Pets” was initially published on A-Z Animals.
