An urgent search is underway in the US state of Maine after two formidable Argentine black and white tegus were reportedly spotted, triggering significant concern amongst ecologists and local officials.
The sighting of the large, non-native lizards was reported in the town of Sanford, prompting an immediate response from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). The department has now issued a public alert, urging residents to report any further encounters with the exotic reptiles.
An Unwanted Predator
Weighing up to 10 pounds and growing over four feet long, the Argentine tegu is considered a serious invasive threat. Their omnivorous diet is a primary concern, as they are known to consume the eggs of ground-nesting birds and other native wildlife, potentially devastating local populations.
"They will eat pretty much anything they want to," a state official warned, highlighting the significant risk they pose to Maine's delicate ecological balance.
How Did They Get There?
While the origin of the two fugitive tegus is unconfirmed, authorities suspect they were likely kept as exotic pets that either escaped or were deliberately released into the wild. The MDIFW is investigating the sighting with a focus on finding and capturing the animals before they can establish a breeding population.
"We are hopeful that we can find them and remove them," a department spokesperson stated, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
A Growing Problem Across the US
This incident is not isolated. Established invasive populations of tegus already exist in states like Florida and Georgia, where they have caused considerable environmental damage. The climate in Maine, with its cold winters, was once thought to be a natural barrier, but this sighting proves the animals can survive, at least seasonally.
The public is advised to keep a safe distance and report sightings immediately, but to never attempt to capture the powerful lizards themselves.
