Environmental & Extension Services - Natural Resources

Iguanas

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Recent observation has concluded that Charlotte County Florida has new exotic and invasive residents. These residents include the common green iguana (Iguana iguana), black spiny-tailed iguana (C. similis), and Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata). Their inhabitation of south Florida is believed to be a result of accidental importation on ships, as well as pet iguanas escaping or being released. Subsequently, these reptiles have established breeding groups and proliferated very successfully in the subtropical climate of south west Florida.

So why are iguanas a problem?

As with many exotic invasive species, they could potentially cause extensive harm to the natural ecosystem’s flora and fauna.
The droppings of Iguanas are known to potentially carry the salmonella bacterium often associated with food poisonings. These dropping are left on sea walls, boats, decks, and other surfaces where they are unsightly and have an offending odor.

Do not release unwanted or problematic pet iguanas. This is not only illegal, (39-4.005 Florida Administrative Code) but it also creates problems that are likely to far outlast the life of the reptile released. In the event that you can no longer care for your iguana check with people you know to see if they are interested, advertise in your local paper, inquire about surrendering or selling it to a pet store, and if all else fails contact your local humane society or reptile rescue for further instruction.

Since iguanas are not protected except under anti-cruelty laws they may be captured and removed in a variety of ways without obtaining a permit.
If unwanted iguanas are in your area and you wish to eradicate them, assistance can be offered by your local Animal Control Service. This can eliminate the potential for injury sustained by attempting to remove the iguanas yourself. For a fee, you can rent a trap and any iguana you capture will be picked up and disposed of by an animal control officer. For more information on trapping iguanas follow this link to Animal Control of Charlotte County’s web site or call (941) 764-4320. See http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN528  for more information.

References
Kern W.H. Jr. Fact Sheet ENY-714, a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: August 2004. Please visit the EDIS Website.

Credit: Linda B. Maharajh, University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale REC

Credit: W. H. Kern, Jr., University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale

Report an Iguana sighting