The Brief
- Argentine black and white tegus are an invasive species in Florida, threatening native wildlife.
- They can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission and removed without a permit or hunting license on 32 state-managed lands in South Florida.
- Wildlife officials encourage the public to report sightings to aid in control efforts.
ORLANDO, Fla. – A Brevard County man faces 20 misdemeanor charges after authorities discovered multiple prohibited reptile species in his possession, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Daniel David Dinovi, 45, of Merritt Island, was cited on March 14 following an investigation prompted by a tip from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the FWC said in a statement.
Officers discovered Dinovi possessed several non-regulated reptiles along with four prohibited species: two Burmese pythons, one Nile monitor, and one black and white tegu.
What is a Burmese python?
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