Most visitors never meet most of this. Florida is a big state and its wildlife changes a lot from region to region - a cane toad is a South Florida backyard problem, a black bear is a central and north Florida one, and a crocodile only matters in the far south. These guides are here for the encounter you do have, not because one is likely.
Argentine black and white tegus are large invasive lizards established in parts of Florida.
They are not just oversized backyard lizards.
Adults can reach nearly five feet long, and FWC considers them a serious invasive-species concern because they prey on:
- Eggs
- Small animals
- Reptiles
- Ground-nesting birds
For pet owners:
Do not let dogs chase or corner a tegu.
What Tegus Look Like
Adult Argentine black and white tegus are typically:
- Black and white patterned
- Heavy-bodied
- Long-tailed
- Powerful
Juveniles may have more green coloration around the head.
Where Tegus Are Established in Florida
Current FWC guidance lists reproducing populations in:
- Hillsborough County
- Miami-Dade County
- Charlotte County
FWC also says an emerging population has been identified in:
- St. Lucie County
Individual tegus have been reported in other counties as well.
Tegus Are Invasive
FWC classifies the Argentine black and white tegu as:
Nonnative Invasive
They are also on Florida’s Prohibited species list.
Why Florida Is Concerned
Tegus are efficient egg predators.
FWC has documented them consuming:
- American alligator eggs
- Gopher tortoise hatchlings
They may also threaten nests of:
- American crocodiles
- Sea turtles
- Ground-nesting birds
Can Tegus Hurt Dogs?
A large tegu can defend itself with:
- Strong jaws
- Teeth
- Claws
- Powerful body and tail
A dog that tries to grab one could be bitten or scratched.
Keep Dogs Away
If you see a tegu while walking your dog:
- Shorten leash
- Back away
- Do not let dog investigate
- Do not corner the animal
Pet Food Attracts Tegus
FWC specifically notes that tegus may eat pet food left outdoors.
Keep:
- Dog food
- Cat food
inside whenever possible.
Yard Management
FWC recommends:
- Removing debris
- Reducing hiding places
- Covering outdoor openings
- Keeping attractants indoors
These steps may make a yard less attractive to tegus.
Do Not Release Pet Tegus
FWC says escaped and intentionally released pets are a primary source of introduced tegu populations.
Releasing nonnative wildlife is illegal.
Current Possession Rules
Tegus were added to Florida’s Prohibited species list in 2021.
Current Florida rules tightly restrict possession.
Some limited exceptions remain for:
- Grandfathered personal pets
- Certain qualifying commercial entities
- Research
- Exhibition
- Eradication/control
Rule changes affecting grandfathered prohibited species took effect in 2025.
Exotic Pet Amnesty Program
If someone has a tegu they can no longer keep, Florida’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program can help prevent release into the wild.
Report a Tegu
FWC encourages sighting reports through:
- IveGot1 app
- IveGot1.org
- 888-IVE-GOT1
- 888-483-4681
Take a photo from a safe distance if possible.
If Your Dog Is Bitten
Contact your veterinarian.
Tegu bites can cause:
- Punctures
- Tissue injury
- Infection
Best Tegu-Safety Checklist
- Short leash
- Never chase
- Keep pet food indoors
- Reduce hiding places
- Do not release captive tegus
- Report sightings
- Seek vet care after bite
Related Guides
- Nile Monitors and Pets
- Iguanas and Pets
- Why Florida Has So Many Exotic Animals
- Burmese Pythons and Pets
- Florida Wildlife Emergency Checklist for Pet Travelers
Tegus are one of Florida’s invasive reptiles worth taking seriously.
The safest dog encounter is no encounter at all.
Sources
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