South Carolina is grappling with a serious ecological threat, and it’s not what you’d expect. Over 100 dog-sized, invasive lizards have been reported across the state, wreaking havoc on local wildlife and even preying on endangered species. The culprits? Argentine black and white tegus—a non-native species with a ravenous appetite that’s leaving its mark on the region.
Since first being spotted in the American South back in 2020, these tegus have spread widely, now reaching the Charleston mountains and South Carolina’s Midlands. These four-foot-long reptiles, easily identifiable by their distinctive black and white scales, are notorious omnivores, devouring everything from bird eggs and small mammals to pet food and other animals in their path. State herpetologist Andrew Grosse says these creatures have caused substantial ecological damage, yet there’s no confirmed evidence so far that they’re breeding locally—a slight reprieve in an otherwise troubling scenario.
The rise of the tegu population in the U.S. is largely tied to the pet trade. Tens of thousands of these reptiles were legally imported from 2000 to 2010, and it’s believed many were either released or escaped captivity once owners realized they’d bitten off more than they could chew. In 2021, South Carolina officials took steps to limit the problem by banning the importation and breeding of black and white tegus. However, anyone who already owned one of these hefty reptiles could keep it if they registered it with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Unfortunately, the ban hasn’t stopped the spread.
Since 2020, the SCDNR has confirmed 32 tegu sightings across 17 counties, and there have been a total of 114 reported sightings across 27 counties. Most were confirmed as the black and white tegu, with sightings verified by photos or captures. The agency warns residents to keep an eye out for these invasive reptiles and encourages anyone who spots a tegu to report it to the SCDNR immediately. If legal in their area, residents are allowed to shoot these invasive reptiles, adding a layer of defense for locals committed to protecting South Carolina’s ecosystem.
Experts theorize that some pet owners, overwhelmed by the tegu’s size and appetite, may have released these lizards into the wild—setting off an ecological chain reaction. Tegus are anything but picky eaters. They go after eggs of local birds, young gopher tortoises, endangered grasshoppers, and even forage for pet food, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Adding to the challenge is the tegu’s natural resilience: unlike other reptiles, they can survive most cold weather by raising their internal temperature up to 50 degrees higher than the surrounding environment. And as winter approaches, the tegus will enter a state called brumation—a reptilian equivalent of hibernation—becoming immobile for weeks but ready to resume their hunt as soon as temperatures rise again.
The tegu invasion has exposed a critical issue with imported wildlife in the U.S. When species like these are released into unfamiliar environments, they often have no natural predators to keep them in check, allowing them to thrive and disrupt local ecosystems. As South Carolina struggles to control these unwanted guests, the SCDNR’s ban and efforts to track the tegus mark a step in the right direction. But with such resilient creatures, it will take the involvement of concerned residents and a focused approach to keep South Carolina’s natural environment safe from further damage.
This tegu crisis reminds us of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for stronger regulations on exotic animal imports. For now, South Carolinians are urged to stay vigilant, report sightings, and help protect the ecosystem from an invasive species that’s proving to be both tenacious and destructive.
