“The entire southeast portion of the United States is at risk. Much of this area has a climate that is suitable for tegus,” Amy Yackel Adams, a biologists with the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Once established tegu will eat just about anything – birds, reptiles, fruits and vegetables. They also like eggs, causing concerns for the future of other species in the areas, including turtles.
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Probably illegal exotic pet underground market.
I know there will plenty of jokes in this thread, but this is a serious threat to local environment.
Hopefully they can trap as many as possible.
“...a serious threat to local environment....”
Understood. Like that damned asian lantern fly that suddenly appeared and destroyed crops and other plants.
The tegus will have to compete with the feral hogs, alligators, and coyotes.
(if’n he don’t get all tangled up in the kudzu first)
They were legal and people who loved theirs are probably dumping them avoid a retroactive charge.
A brilliant move by the state.
/not
On the serious side I will kill one if I saw it. For some reasons the song birds that have been missing returned this year. I enjoy the spring concerts in the morning with my coffee. Not worried about my dogs they weight 80 pounds each. But would hate to see the birds leave because their nests are raided.
Anything? Will they eat kudzu?