Green iguanas are now conquering Central Florida
One of the most common invasive species is on its way to Central Florida. We’re talking about the infamous green iguanas. There are thousands in the southern part of the state, but sightings are increasing in our area as well. As the reptiles proliferate, so does concern for public health.
TITUSVILLE, Florida. – One of the most widespread invasive species is on its way to Central Florida.
We’re talking about the infamous green iguanas. There are thousands in the south of the state, but sightings are increasing in our area as well. Public health concerns are also growing as these reptiles proliferate.
A family in Titusville recently discovered a young green iguana on their porch and shared a photo of it on social media. The family quickly found out just how controversial the reptile sighting actually was.
“What are you and why are you here?” said Heath Gerling, showing FOX 35 his porch where the bright green iguana was spotted.
Heath said these questions popped into his mind when the unique creature appeared on his porch in Titusville.
“In the seven or eight years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen one in this area,” the homeowner said.
He quickly realized that it was a young green iguana, about 30 centimeters long, that did not come from Florida.
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“A lot of people love them. A lot of people hate them,” he said. “I had no idea how dangerous they could be to the environment.”
They pose a threat to the environment and to humans as the reptile reproduces rapidly and advances further north.
“Their droppings are a big problem,” says Ken Gioeli, an employee of the University of Florida’s Department of Natural Resources.
Gioeli is an expert on invasive species in Florida. He says the droppings left behind by these iguanas can transmit diseases to humans.
“If you grow tomatoes or strawberries or anything else in your garden and they happen to poop on it, there’s a chance that salmonella or E. coli could get onto those fruits and vegetables,” the scientist said.
Southeast Florida remains the best place for iguana sightings, with over 10,000 reports, but sightings are increasing in other parts of the state as well.
To date, sightings have been documented in several Central Florida counties, including:
- Osceola – 6
- Polk-112
- Lake – 9
- Oranges – 38
- Seminoles – 14
- Volusia – 17
“These non-native and invasive reptiles pose a problem to the environment and there is no easy way to eradicate them. It’s just a very difficult situation,” Gioeli said.
The homeowner who had one in his front yard realized how difficult it was to catch them when he saw them fleeing his property.
“I’m surprised at how fast the little ones are. They’re super fast,” Heath said.
Controlling an iguana invasion is even more complicated, so the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking everyone to report sightings. You can also call a trapper to remove the animals, and it is legal to humanely kill iguanas in Florida.
Download the IveGot1 app to take pictures that you can upload and share with researchers. Experts across the country use the app to track where invasive species are taking hold and where they’re moving next.
