One of Southwest Florida’s growing wildlife issues has been dealing with invasive green iguanas. This issue will only become more apparent with hatching season for these critters happening during the summer months.
From digging in your garden to eating your vegetation, Lisa Thompson, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission public information specialist, provided all the answers to what you need to know about Iguanas.
Here is our Q&A with Thompson:
Question: Are iguana’s invasive to Florida, or can you find them located in other parts of the United States? If so, where?
Answer: Green iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife. Green iguanas were first reported in Florida in the 1960s in Hialeah, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne along Miami-Dade County’s southeastern coast.
What is the typical diet of an iguana?
Green iguanas feed on a wide variety of vegetation, including shoots, leaves, blossoms and fruits of plants such as nickerbean, firebush, jasmine, orchids, roses, Washington fan palms, hibiscuses, garden greens, squashes and melons. Their tendency to eat ornamental plants can make them a nuisance to homeowners. Adult green iguanas can also feed on bird eggs and dead animals. Juvenile green iguanas feed on vegetation, insects and tree snails.
How long do iguanas live?
Green iguanas can typically live up to 10 years in the wild.
Can iguanas be pets and/or service animals?
Green iguanas are a prohibited species in Florida due to the risk they pose to the state. More information can be found on the type of animals you can have as pets at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Are iguanas a problem in Southwest Florida? Why?
Green iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife. Green iguanas were first reported in Florida in the 1960s in Hialeah, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne along Miami-Dade County’s southeastern coast.
What should you do if you have an iguana problem on your property?
Iguanas have a wide variety of impacts on Florida’s native wildlife and plants and can also cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Their tendency to eat plants can make them a nuisance to homeowners along with their tendency to defecate on people’s property.
Residents and property owners can deter iguanas from around their properties by taking the following steps:
Fun fact: Did you know?
Are there any sports teams with the nickname “Iguanas”?
There are no current sports organizations named the Iguanas. The last team to boast the name was the San Antonio Iguanas of the Central Hockey League from 1994 to 2002.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Q&A: 7 frequently asked questions about iguanas
Reporting by Jeffrey Hrunka, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
