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Thread: New quail/turkey eater on the scene

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
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    Wateree, South Carolina
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    48,810

    Default New quail/turkey eater on the scene

    Giant, invasive 4-foot-long lizards now established in Georgia, DNR says

    By: WSBTV.com News Staff
    Updated: May 13, 2020 - 10:59 AM
    ATLANTA — Forget murder hornets. Tegus lizards are posing a real risk to Georgia.

    We first told you about the lizards when they moved from Florida into southern areas of Georgia last year, but the Georgia Department of Natural Resources say the creatures are now established in the state. And that’s a bad thing.

    The Argentine Black and White Tegus can grow up to 4-feet long, and weigh 10 pounds. The DNR said many people report them to officials mistaking them for baby alligators.



    DNR officials say Tegus will eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles, such as American alligators and gopher tortoises, which are protected species.

    They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals, from grasshoppers to young gopher tortoises.

    The DNR and its partners are working to eradicate a wild population in Toombs and Tattnall counties. They’re worried the lizards have the potential to spread “rapidly” to other parts of Georgia.

    Invasive tegu lizard, known for sharp teeth, often ill temper, on the loose near elementary school
    DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, the U.S. Geological Survey and Georgia Southern University are trapping tegus, tracking sightings and assessing the population.

    Officials are warning people in Toombs and Tattnall counties to keep pet food inside, fill holes that might serve as shelter and clear yards of debris, such as brush piles that can provide cover for tegus.

    If people have them as pets, officials say the worst thing you can do it is to release them into the wild.

    "Releasing it into the wild is the absolute worst thing to do. It will affect our native species and we can’t have that,” said DNR wildlife biologist John Jensen.

    Officials want to remind people if they come across these lizards, alive or dead, to call the DNR. The reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting online here.

    DNR notes that as a non-native species, tegus in the wild in Georgia are not protected by state wildlife laws or regulations. They can be legally trapped or killed. However, DNR said animal cruelty and local ordinances apply.

    https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/gia...CVG6XP237RZPA/

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
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    SC
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    24,411

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    Just kill the lizards if you see one. There's enough stuff already after the quail


    Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
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    united states of america
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    21,585

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    With all the hawks and owls around I don't see how a single quail or turkey lives

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Charlotte
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    Hawks and owls have overtaken the air space in our suburban neighborhood in South Charlotte. It’s insane the number we have. On the farm back in Anderson they are multiplying by the week it seems. I pry the one or two wild coveys left survive. We give them all the help we can but....

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Summerville, SC
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    7,297

    Default

    I hear that big ol lizard tastes just like chicken.

    Git sum!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
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    2,192

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    El Cid they won't make it. Habitat will protect them for a few years and they will run out of real estate. Crazy to see the few pockets that are still with us but they can't flourish. In my opinion it's a predator/habitat problem that will exterminate all of them. Gone like the passenger pigeon.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    FROG LEVEL
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    23,785

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    You right
    Gettin old is for pussies! AND MY NEW TRUE people say like Capt. Tom >>>>>>>>>/
    "Wow, often imitated but never duplicated. No one can do it like the master. My hat is off to you DRDUCK!"

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