I was walking along the rocky shoreline of our current campground when I ran across the Iguana in the image above. They are very common around here, so there wasn’t anything unique about the encounter. We don’t have these big lizards in Texas so I didn’t know much about them and decided to do a little research.
What are Iguanas?
Iguanas are large lizards, and they are a common sight in Key West. They can grow up to about 5 feet in length. They can be found throughout the Florida Keys and the southern tip of the Florida mainland. Iguanas are not native to this area and are considered invasive. It is believed that the first Iguanas arrived here as stowaways on ships carrying fruits and vegetables from their native homes in South and Central America . We have seen lots of them during our visits to Isla Mujeres in Mexico where they even have a statue dedicated to these big lizards. Iguanas were first reported in Florida in the 1960’s, and their population has boomed ever since.
Watch for falling Iguanas
The warm climate here is ideal for them, especially farther south in the Florida Keys where the temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Iguanas are cold blooded animals. When temperatures fall into the 40’s and below they will go into a state of hibernation, lose control of their motor skills, and fall from trees.
Friend or Foe
There is a bit of a debate here in Florida about Iguanas. Some people say that we should leave them alone; some people even keep them as pets. Then there are those that see them as a pest and would like to eradicate them. This is basically the stance of the Florida Wildlife Commission. I have never heard of anyone being attacked by an Iguana, so I don’t believe that fear is a factor. As herbivores they are voracious eaters of fruits and flowers out of peoples gardens. They will also eat bird eggs, and they tunnel underground which will destabilize beaches, canal banks, and even sidewalks. The Florida Wildlife Commission recently mandated that pet Iguanas must be microchipped and strictly controlled. Iguanas caught in the wild without a microchip will be exterminated. There is a thriving little Iguana eradication industry in the area.
Kind of like Feral Hogs in Texas
Because of their destructive rooting, and a booming population, feral hogs have become a major problem for farmers and ranchers back home in Texas, and they are spreading across other states too. They can destroy large patches of property in a single night. Due to these facts the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has an open season for feral hogs. I have shot my share in the past, (great for smoked sausage), but I don’t know how much of a dent we have put into that population.
That’s kind of what’s happening here in Florida. I have seen YouTube videos of folks that catch, clean, and cook Iguanas. One was catching them mainly for the legs and tails. He made what he called “Iguana wings”. Now everytime I see an Iguana I think of wings. I have never had Iguana, and I have no plans to go out hunting for them, but if someone offered them I might try them.
Conclusion
Because I don’t own property where either of these invasive species live, I have no dog in this fight, but I do sympathize with those affected by their destructive behavior. I don’t hunt much anymore either, so I now see them as subjects for my photos. I just like the dinosaur look of those big lizards.
