JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning people about large South American lizards that are spreading in Florida.
The tegu lizards are an invasive species that can grow to more than 4 feet long.
One was spotted on Benton Harbor Drive in a neighborhood in Jacksonville's East Arlington area near Atlantic and Kernan boulevards.
News4Jax on Friday spoke with a wildlife expert and animal trapper about why they're bad for the local ecosystem.
READ: How you can help stop the spread of tegus in Florida
Though tegus can make great pets for people, the popular exotic lizards also cause some problems -- as they eat small animals and invade in the Sunshine State.
"People want to have something that is big, showy and flashy, but they can pick up and be handled," said Stephen Brezil, who owns Xtreme Exotics, a pet store specializing in reptiles, snakes and other hard-to-get animals.
Florida wildlife officials are worried that tegus, which are native to South America, are growing in population in Florida.
Some tegus have been released in the wild, while others have gotten loose. Brezil explained why the FWC is concerned about the lizards.
SLIDESHOW: Photos of tegus
"Tegus survive in our climate just fine here, which I think is the biggest problem. They can breed here. They can feed on the natural wildlife here," Brezil said. "And in the wild, they are aggressive. They will chase down anything. They will hunt down anything they want."
Sabrina Clark owns a tegu and loves it.
"It's not only your job as the owner to take care of the animal, it is to make sure that the animal doesn't get loose. That's your job," Clark said.
If anyone sees one in the wild, FWC officers want to know. The FWC asks that anyone who spots one to take a photo of it, note the location and report the sighting by calling 1-888-483-4681. For more information on the FWC's exotic species reporting hotline, click here.
According to experts, it's important that tegus don't spread because they could kill off local wildlife and plants.
"Lizards, frogs, smaller tegus, birds, any kind of small mammal -- if they can fit in their mouth, or try to fit it in their mouth, they will try to eat it without a doubt," Brezil said.
People who have a tegu or another exotic animal that they feel they can no longer care for can bring it to Xtreme Exotics at 11672 Philips Highway free of charge. The store will take good care of the animals.
To contact Xtreme Exotics, call 904-683-4992 or visit the pet store's Facebook page.