The population in Tampa have been there for years. This is information from the FL FWC:
"There may be an established population southeast of Tampa in eastern Hillsborough
and western Polk counties, Florida. Specimens and credible observations exist...
[near a nature preserve] and contains the following natural habitats: sand pine scrub,
xeric oak scrub, scrubby and mesic flatwoods, hardwood hammock, freshwater marsh,
cypress swamp, and hardwood swamp (Resource Management Office 2006). The east end of
the preserve contains 486 ha (1200 ac) of restored phosphate-mined land that consists
of improved pasture and numerous lakes (Resource Management Office 2006). An
adult tegu was first collected in the preserve in June 2006 (Fig. 3), and tegus have
been subsequently observed here. For example, 2 juvenile tegus were observed
escaping into gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows during a 20-min visit
on 18 August 2006 (Kaiser, pers. comm.). Three juvenile tegus have been
subsequently trapped from 10 tortoise burrows, although 1 escaped while being
removed from the trap. Tegus, including hatchlings, have also been observed on
private property in the area in 2006."
Laura R (FL)
1.0.0 Colombian Tegu
1.4.0 Argentine B&W Tegu
1.2.0 Red Tegu
1.2.0 B/WxRed Tegu
1.0.0 Green Ameiva (yet another teiid)
7 other lizards
1 little gator
3 FL box turtle
1 Sulcata tortoise
16 snakes
5 fuzzy pets
4 little frogs
a bunch of creepy bugs
and a partridge in a pear tree
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