SCDNR says they continue to receive reports of free-ranging tegus, shortly before new registration policy takes effect

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says they are continuing to see reports of free-ranging, non-native black and white tegus. In total, SCDNR says there have been 13 confirmed sighting since August 2020.

While authorities say tegus have been spotted throughout the state, they say more than half of these sightings were in the Columbia area. SCDNR says there were two tegus reported in Richland and Lexington counties last week.

According to officials tegus are non-native to South Carolina and could have a negative impact on ground-nesting birds like turkey and quail. Tegus were added to the list of “Restricted Non-native Wildlife” on May 28, 2021, according to SCDNR.

According to SCDNR, all black and white tegus and hybrids must be registered by September 25 and you can not posses or buy any unregistered tegus after this date.

For more information about tegus visit SCDNR’s website.