When was this published?

This article was first published on July 25, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Sergio Candido at CBS4 Miami.

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It's eating alligator and crocodile eggs. Meet the giant invasive lizard spreading across Miami.

Summary by The Miami Editorial Desk · Byline on the source page: Sergio Candido, as published by CBS4 Miami · July 25, 2026 · 1 min read

Photo: CBS4 Miami · view original

A giant invasive lizard is spreading across Miami, drawing attention from Florida wildlife officials. The Argentine black and white tegu is a large reptile, growing up to 4.5 feet long and weighing 15

Why this matters in The Miami

The Argentine black and white tegu's presence in Miami has significant implications for the local ecosystem, particularly in areas like the Everglades and coastal regions of Miami-Dade County. As the tegu population continues to grow, with over 8,000 sightings reported, residents in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Coconut Grove should be aware of the potential consequences for native wildlife. The fact that these lizards are eating alligator and crocodile eggs raises concerns about the delicate balance of the food chain in these sensitive environments. Miami's unique position as a hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities also means that the tegu's spread may be facilitated by human activity, such as the pet trade or accidental releases. As the county grapples with the challenges posed by this invasive species, it is crucial for local authorities to work closely with residents and wildlife experts to develop effective strategies for mitigating the tegu's impact on Miami's ecosystem.

About this story

As published by CBS4 Miami. The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: food · Published: July 25, 2026 · Source: CBS4 Miami · Reading time: 1 min

Summary created by	The Miami Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Byline on source page	Sergio Candido, as published by CBS4 Miami
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 25, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

It's eating alligator and crocodile eggs. Meet the giant invasive lizard spreading across Miami.

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