State biologists have been tracking tegu lizards since the invasive reptile was found last year in Lexington County.

Department of Natural Resources officials continue to receive reports of non-native black and white tegus.

They have confirmed 13 sightings since the initial report from Lexington County in August of 2020.

Black and white tegus have been observed throughout the state, including in Lexington, Richland, Greenville, Pickens, Darlington, Orangeburg and Berkeley counties.

More than half of these sightings have come from the Columbia area.

Last week, two tegus were reported in Lexington and Richland counties and 9 tegus have been successfully removed.

The tegus are believed to have come from Georgia and Florida.

They prey on native ground-nesting birds like turkey and quail and other species such as the state-endangered gopher tortoise.

The tegus and their hybrids were added to the list of “Restricted Non-native Wildlife” on May 28.

These regulations prohibit tegus and their hybrids from being brought into South Carolina or reproduced here.

They also require current owners to register all black and white tegus and hybrids with SCDNR by Sept. 25.

After this date, no unregistered black and white tegu may be possessed, and no tegu may be bought, sold or transferred in the state.

Visit SCDNR’s tegu web page for more information on registration, including applications and FAQs.

SCDNR appreciates the continued willingness of South Carolinians to provide information to protect our native wildlife and prevent the spread of non-native species.

SCDNR continues to investigate all reports and ask that any sightings be reported to biologist Andrew Grosse, grossea@dnr.sc.gov .

Sightings can also be reported online.

When possible, please submit a photo, location, and time and date the animal was seen.

As a non-native species, tegus in South Carolina are not protected by state wildlife laws or regulations and should be removed from the wild.