The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an urgent plea for residents in southeast Georgia to kill any Argentine black-and-white tegus they encounter. These invasive lizards, introduced through the exotic pet trade, can grow up to four feet long and are known for their destructive feeding habits, which threaten local wildlife and crops. Since 2018, officials have removed 30 tegus from just two counties, but the population has now spread to 30 counties across Georgia. Wildlife experts warn that these lizards can lay up to 35 eggs annually, exacerbating their rapid expansion. While they are not aggressive towards humans, they can inflict painful injuries if cornered. Additionally, tegus are carriers of salmonella, raising concerns about their impact on both wildlife and agricultural health. With sightings nearing 10,000 since 2002, the DNR is encouraging residents to document any sightings and report them, as the situation continues to escalate. Florida and South Carolina have already banned these reptiles as pets, while Georgia has set regulations for registration.