Lizards on the Loose
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It’s true–Lizards are on the loose in Florida. How does this happen? It all begins when someone purchases an Iguana (a genus of herbivorous lizards) for a pet without understanding the long term commitment owning an iguana entails. Iguanas can live for 13 years and have a hefty appetite. Many iguana owners tire of the responsibility and release the iguana into the wild where they are evidently finding mates and reproducing. The “wild” iguanas now present a considerable nuisance to home owners in Florida. While riding in the dinghy we spotted this one such dinosaur looking creature.
There are over 350 species of Iguana but we can be thankful that only three are common in Florida. The common green Iguana, The Mexican Spiny Tail Iguana and the Black Spiny Tail Iguana can all be found in the warm sunny climate of Florida. These cold blooded reptiles can be discouraged from taking up in one’s yard by following these easy steps:
1. Remove all colorful flowering plants from the yard
2. Remove all fruit trees from the yard (except citrus which they don’t eat)
3. Do not plant a vegetable garden
4. Keep yard free of brush and debris
5. Trim limbs from trees
6. Place a fence around pool and dock
7. Place a metal band around the base of all trees in yard
8. Spray the Iguana with a water hose until it runs over to your neighbor’s yard
(Seriously-I found these suggestions for discouraging Iguanas from invading one’s yard on the internet.)
If I ever encounter a problem with iguanas I think I will call the number below!
Joy