Move over alligators. Iguanas making themselves at home across South Florida
Iguanas.
They fall from trees (when it's cold).
They're in our yards.
They dig under our roads and seawalls.
They've even been spotted in our ... toilets.
So let's find out a little bit more about these non-natives that are making themselves at home in Florida, what diseases they carry and how you can keep them out of your yard.
Where are iguanas found in Florida?
Green iguanas appear to be established in much of Central and South Florida, including the Keys, according to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Green iguana populations now stretch along the Atlantic Coast in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties and along the Gulf Coast in Collier and Lee counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
While there have been reports of iguanas as far north as Alachua, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River and St. Lucie counties, these are likely escaped or released captive animals and are unlikely to expand since they are not cold hardy, FWC said.
On the mainland, they occur mainly near the coast. Iguanas' northern range is limited by cold temperatures.
They can be found in both urban areas and natural habitats and are commonly found along canals in South Florida.
What diseases do iguanas carry?
Green iguanas in captivity are known carriers of E. coli and salmonella bacteria.
In a study of captive green iguanas in Mexico, nearly 40% were found to carry E. coli strains that were resistant to antibiotics.
There is no scientific evidence that indicates wild green iguanas in Florida transmit pathogens to humans. However, they will defecate on docks, pool decks, and patios.
What diseases can iguanas spread to humans?
Iguanas, along with turtles, are a source of salmonella infections, which is potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Salmonella is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The infection can be caused by either a bite or handling feces.
There also has been a case where a bite from an iguana lead to a rare bacterial infection called mycobacterium marinum.
And since iguanas can shed their teeth when they bite, those teeth can become embedded and also cause bacterial infections, according to A-Z Animals.com.
What are symptoms of a salmonella infection?
Salmonella is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through stool (feces).
Some people with salmonella infection have no symptoms. Most people develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within 8 to 72 hours after exposure.
Possible signs and symptoms of salmonella infection include:
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills
Headache
Blood in the stool
Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last a few days to a week. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, but it may take several months before bowels return to usual stool habits.
People most at risk include children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
How big do iguanas get?
Male green iguanas can grow to over 5 feet long and weigh up to 17 pounds.
Females can also reach 5 feet in length but usually do not weigh more than seven pounds.
Is there a limit to how far iguanas can spread in Florida?
Iguanas are not cold hardy and generally are limited to warmer coastal areas and South Florida.
Florida winter 2024: Snow, frozen iguanas for Florida winter 2024? Farmers' Almanac says expect 'a few frosts'
What are warning signs an iguana will attack?
According to Iguana Control, warning signs of an impending iguana strike include:
Standing on all four legs.
Drawing in a deep breath.
Making its body appear larger.
Lowering of the iguana’s dewlap (its skin flap beneath its chin).
More signs of aggression or danger may include:
Hissing.
Flicking their tail.
Rapid head bobbing.
Defensive tail whipping.
What to do if iguana attacks you?
Iguana bites and attacks are rare. Most species aren’t particularly aggressive toward humans or other animals unless they are provoked or stressed. They also display plenty of warning signals before they bite, according to A-Z Animals.
Wild male iguanas can be territorial during their breeding season at the end of every summer.
What to do if an iguana bites you
The teeth of green iguanas are serrated and can cause deep bite wounds.
While the bite may be painful, don’t panic or make any sudden movements or loud noises.
Most iguanas will release their jaws immediately after biting and flee.
However, if an iguana is clinging to you and won’t let go, you can disorient it either by covering its head with a blanket or towel or holding an alcohol-soaked rag near its nose.
Don’t dangle them around or try to fling them, as this will cause them to clamp down harder. You also can try to hold the iguana upside-down and gently tug on their dewlap to get them to release their grip.
How should you treat an iguana bite?
While the average iguana is harmless to humans, they have sharp teeth that can cause significant damage, according to Iguana Control.
Clean the wound with something like Betadine and hot, soapy water. Many injuries will need stitches and antibiotics to avoid a salmonella infection.
If the bite has broken the skin, seek medical treatment immediately.
Can you kill an iguana in Florida?
Green iguanas are considered an invasive species in Florida due to their impacts to native wildlife, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
As a nonnative reptile species, green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission.
They also can be captured and humanely killed year-round and without a permit or hunting license on 32 public lands in South Florida.
Shooting iguanas? 'Chicken of the trees.' Do I need a license to shoot iguanas in Florida?
Can you own an iguana in Florida?
In April 2021, green iguanas were added to Florida’s prohibited species list.
Only animals possessed prior to April 29, are eligible to be permitted for personal possession.
Owners of any iguanas kept under this permit (who owned iguanas prior to April 2021) are responsible for making sure their pets are marked with a passive integrated transponder tag.
No new pets of these species may be purchased after the rules took effect.
Prohibited pet permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually, according to FWC.
How can you keep iguanas away from your property?
Never feed them, either intentionally or unintentionally. Feeding other animals also attracts iguanas.
Protect valuable plants with cages or screen enclosures.
Install sheet metal around trees and dock pilings about 18 inches from the base to prevent climbing.
Where iguanas burrow or dig, consider installing chicken wire fencing, burying it several inches underground.
Electric fencing may deter or stop iguanas from climbing.
Iguanas are excellent climbers and can get into and on dwellings via overhanging trees. Trim branches to avoid this.
How to get an iguana off your property
Spray an iguana with a water hose.
Install a water scarecrow sprinkler, which is a motion-activated sprinkler that releases a blast of water toward an intruder.
Make loud noises.
Hang shiny computer discs near sea walls or on trees (and change their locations frequently) to reflect light.
Fill burrows (during the day when they're not there) with sand or concrete.
Avoid planting what iguanas like to eat, including bright red, orange or yellow flowers and fruits, such as:
Hibiscus
Orchids
Roses
Garden greens such as lettuce, kale, broccoli, collards and beets
Nasturtiums
Impatiens
Squash and melons
Hong Kong orchid tree
Purple heart plant
What plants deter iguanas?
Try these suggestions from FWC:
Milkweed
Pentas
Oleanders
Citrus
Crotons
Tough, thick-leaved plants
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Iguanas in Florida: Do they bite, can you own one, can you kill them?
