A Florida homeowner recently found an invasive green iguana in their fireplace and contacted Humane Iguana Control for help. Michael Ronquillo, owner of the company, successfully removed the iguana, which had used a palm from a coconut tree to access the fire pit. Iguanas can be found in unexpected places and can pose health risks to humans due to their sharp teeth and nails. These reptiles can also have a tail whip of up to 30mph, carry salmonella, and spread bacteria to human populations. Green iguanas are not protected in Florida and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) states that green iguanas are considered invasive in South Florida, where man-made canals provide ideal dispersal corridors for them to colonize new areas. Homeowners in the region are advised to cut back coconut or palm trees near their properties to prevent iguanas from using them as routes to enter homes. Green iguanas were added to Florida’s prohibited species list in April 2021, allowing them to be “humanely killed” year-round without a hunting license or permit.
It is important for residents to contact professional iguana removal companies if they find an iguana in their home to avoid health risks and bodily harm. In one incident, homeowners were able to block the iguana in until help arrived. Iguanas can have very sharp teeth and nails, making them potentially dangerous to handle without the proper experience and equipment. Young iguanas can appear brighter green or blue, as seen in a video shared by Humane Iguana Control.
According to Ronquillo, iguanas can pretty much end up anywhere and are known for their ability to access unexpected locations. In another incident, an iguana was found in a Miami kitchen cabinet after dashing right into the house. The owners of that property contacted Humane Iguana Control for assistance in safely removing the reptile. Iguanas can be quite agile and quick, making it important for homeowners to take precautions and seek professional help if needed.
In addition to their ability to access various areas, iguanas can also lay eggs in unexpected places, such as a resort swimming pool where one laid 30 eggs after getting stuck in a waterslide. It is important for homeowners to be aware of the potential risks associated with iguanas, including carrying diseases like salmonella and potentially harming humans with their sharp tail whips and spikes. Humane iguana removal practices are recommended to ensure safety for both the reptiles and residents in affected areas. Green iguanas are a concern in Florida due to their invasive nature and the potential for harm they pose to ecosystems and human populations.
