Iguana Population Booms in Florida

In recent months, iguana populations in Florida have exploded, leaving homeowners and officials struggling to find a solution.

Iguanas are native to Central and South America, but they have been steadily making their way northward for years. In Florida, they can now be found in nearly every county.

Iguanas are not native to the United States and they are not typically considered as pests. However, their population explosions in recent years have led to growing concerns.

One issue is that iguanas can be dangerous when they feel threatened. They have sharp teeth and claws, and they can inflict serious injuries. When they congregate in large numbers, as they often do, they can also cause extensive damage to landscapes and homes.

Another issue is that iguanas can be carriers of salmonella and other diseases. They often defecate in public areas, which can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria.

So far, there has been no consensus on how best to address the iguana problem in Florida. Some homeowners have tried to remove them themselves, but this can be challenging and dangerous. Officials have considered various options, including extermination or relocation, but no decisions have been made yet.

Iguana Invasion Hits Miami Streets

Zombies. Aliens. Penguins. These creatures have all invaded Miami in one form or another, but the latest invasion has locals on high alert — iguanas!

Native to Central and South America, these lizards have been showing up in greater and greater numbers across Miami in recent years. And while they may be cute from a distance, they can be dangerous when approached.

Reports of iguanas biting people, getting into homes, and even causing car accidents are on the rise. In response, the city has created a website dedicated to educating residents about how to deal with iguanas and keep them out of their homes and businesses.

The site recommends keeping yards free of debris that could provide a hiding place for iguanas, using wire mesh over vents to prevent them from entering structures, and most importantly, not feeding them.

Despite these precautions, it seems the iguana invasion is only going to get worse. So if you're in Miami, keep your eyes open and your distance respectable!

Iguana Sightings on the Rise in Texas

Residents of Texas are reporting an uptick in iguana sightings, leaving many to wonder what could be causing the sudden population growth spurt. Wildlife experts have several theories, but have yet to reach a consensus on the cause.

Iguanas are native to Central and South America, so it's unclear how they've managed to establish a presence in Texas. Some experts suggest that the mild winter weather is to blame, while others believe that the animals may have been released into the wild by pet owners who can no longer care for them.

Whatever the case may be, the influx of iguanas is causing some concern among locals. The animals can grow up to six feet long and they can be quite aggressive when provoked. They've also been known to damage crops and homes in their search for food and shelter.

In response to the growing iguana population, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has issued a warning urging residents to exercise caution if they encounter one of these reptiles. They also advise people not to touch or feed the iguanas, as this can often lead to them becoming aggressive.

If you do encounter an iguana, contact your local wildlife expert or police department for assistance. Do not try to capture or kill the animal yourself – this could lead to serious injuries.

California Couple's Iguana Caught Up in Custody Battle

When Mark and Christina Rotondo of Huntington Beach, California, decided to get a pet iguana, they had no idea that custody of the animal would one day be at stake. But that's exactly what has happened, as the couple's now-ex-wife is trying to gain custody of the 3-year-old iguana named Louie.

The battle began in February 2018, when Christina filed for divorce from Mark. Part of her filing included a request for sole custody of Louie, which was granted by a judge in May. This decision didn't sit well with Mark, who has since been fighting for joint custody of the reptile.

In court documents filed in July, Mark claims that he has been the primary caregiver for Louie ever since the iguana was born and that Christina has "shown little interest" in him. He also argues that awarding sole custody to Christina would result in "significant harm" to Louie because he wouldn't have access to both parents.

"It's not like I don't want my wife to have visitation or anything like that," Mark told The Orange County Register. "I just think it should be 50/50."

The case is set to go before a judge on September 24.

Woman Bites Off iguana's Tail

In a scene reminiscent of a horror movie, a woman in Florida was recently caught on video biting the tail off an iguana. The woman, who has not been identified, can be seen picking up the iguana from the ground and then putting its head in her mouth before biting its tail off.

The video of the incident was captured by another beach-goer and has since gone viral. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident and are asking for anyone with information about it to come forward.

Iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species there. They are often seen sunning themselves on sidewalks and roads, where they can be a danger to drivers. They are also known for their burrowing behavior, which can cause damage to infrastructure.

It is still unclear why the woman bit the iguana's tail off, but it is likely that she was trying to kill it. Iguana tails are poisonous and can cause severe pain and swelling if bitten.

Discovery of iguana eggs in Texas could mean more of the reptiles

Wildlife officials in Texas have discovered a nest of iguana eggs, raising the possibility that the green lizards could start spreading across more of the state. The discovery was made near Brownsville, close to the Mexican border.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said it was not sure how many eggs were in the nest, but that it appeared to be the first ever found in the state. Up to now, iguanas have been seen only in a few southern counties bordering Mexico.

Iguanas are considered an invasive species in Texas, where they can destroy crops and vegetation. The lizards are also known for their unpleasant odor.

The discovery of the eggs comes as officials in Florida are struggling to control an infestation of iguanas that has been growing for several years. More than 1 million pounds of iguanas have been removed from Florida since 2016, according to The Associated Press.

Some people in Florida have even started eating iguanas, which are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world.

Iguana caught on camera sunning itself on Miami Beach

An Iguana was caught on camera sunning itself on Miami Beach. This is the latest in a string of sightings of the reptiles in the area.

Iguanas have been spotted in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and other parts of Miami.

In Florida, it is illegal to capture or possess an iguana without a permit. The creatures are considered a nuisance and a threat to native wildlife.

They can grow up to six feet long and weigh up to 20 pounds. They feed on plants, insects and small animals.

People are advised not to approach or touch iguanas, as they may bite. Officials say the best way to get rid of them is to call animal control.

Iguanas falling from trees in Florida as storms move in

Iguanas falling from trees in Florida as storms move in

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Wildlife officials say they're getting reports of iguanas falling from trees in South Florida as the stormy weather moves in.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the lizards may be trying to find shelter from the storms.

Commission spokesman Rob Klepper said in a statement that people should leave the iguanas alone if they see them on the ground.

"Under normal circumstances, FWC would not advise handling an iguana, but because of the cold weather conditions, we ask people to please leave them alone if they are spotted on the ground and contact us if there is a concern for their safety," Klepper said.

Iguanas are native to Central and South America but they have been established in South Florida since the 1960s.

(TM and © Copyright 2018 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Expert warns Floridians to be aware of invasive iguana population

With an invasion of non-native iguanas on the loose in Florida, experts are warning residents to be aware of these reptiles and take steps to protect their homes and yards.

Iguanas are a common sight in South Florida, but their population has exploded in recent years. The animals can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh nearly 20 pounds. They damage buildings, invade gardens and nest in roofs.

They also eat plants, flowers and fruit, which can devastate citrus crops.

While there are no known cases of iguanas transmitting diseases to people or pets, they can inflict painful bites.

So far, the state has been unable to come up with a plan to get rid of the iguanas, which are listed as a species of concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Residents are urged to secure their homes and yards by sealing off potential entry points and using deterrents such as loud noises or repellents.

Iguana sightings on the rise in Florida

Iguanas are becoming a more common sight in Florida, as the species continues to spread north from Central and South America. The non-native lizards can be seen sunning themselves on sidewalks and roads, or crossing streets in search of food.

Though they may be cute, iguanas can be dangerous if they feel threatened. They have sharp claws and teeth, and can deliver a powerful bite.

People are advised to stay away from iguanas if they see them, and to call animal control if one is spotted in an area where it is not normally found.

Iguana invasions force homeowners to take action

Since the late 1990s, iguanas have been invading Florida in increasing numbers. The green lizards can grow up to six feet long and weigh up to 18 pounds, and they're wreaking havoc on homeowners' yards and gardens.

The cold-blooded creatures love the state's climate and vegetation, but they're not afraid to invade homes and businesses either. They can damage roofs, plumbing, electrical wiring, and air conditioning systems. They also eat plants and flowers, leaving behind messy droppings.

Homeowners have been trying to get rid of the iguanas for years, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The lizards are quick learners and can elude traps, so most homeowners have had to resort to lethal means.

In response to the growing iguana population, the state of Florida has begun issuing permits for homeowners to kill the lizards on their property. The permits allow for the "controlled take" of iguanas – meaning that they can only be killed if they pose a threat to people or property. Homeowners must also adhere to certain restrictions, such as only killing iguanas during daylight hours and using humane methods like shooting them in the head or decapitating them.

So far, the permits have been met with mixed reactions. Some people are happy that the state is finally doing something about the invasive species, while others feel that it's an inhumane way to deal with them. Killing iguanas is also a costly process – it can cost up to $300 per animal – so some homeowners find it easier just to relocate them.

Whether you agree with it or not, the fact is that killing iguanas is becoming more common as their numbers increase. If you live in Florida and are having problems with iguanas on your property, be sure to contact your local wildlife officials for information on how to get a permit.

Iguana populations booming in Chicago area

The iguana population in the Chicago area is booming, much to the chagrin of local residents. These large lizards are showing up in people's yards and garden, and they are proving difficult to get rid of.

Some people are even advocating for the city to begin a program to trap and euthanize iguanas, but officials say that is not likely to happen. Iguanas are not native to the United States, and they are classified as a "nuisance species." This means that they are not considered endangered or threatened, and there is no real protocol for dealing with them.

Iguanas have been spotted in a number of suburbs surrounding Chicago, including Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, and Schaumburg. They seem to be especially prevalent in areas near water sources, such as ponds and rivers.

So why are these animals suddenly appearing in such high numbers? It is thought that they may be arriving in the area via planes or boats coming from Florida or the Caribbean. The warm climate in Chicago is welcoming to them, and they seem to be thriving in their new environment.

Local residents have mixed feelings about the iguanas. Some see them as a nuisance, while others find them fascinating creatures. They are definitely causing some problems, though. Iguana droppings can be messy and unsightly, and their burrowing can damage gardens and landscaping. In some cases, they have also been known to attack dogs and cats.

While there is no easy solution to dealing with the iguana population explosion, hopefully officials can come up with something before things get too out of control

Iguana caught snacking on endangered plants in Texas

A population of iguanas in Texas is being blamed for the deaths of several endangered plants.

The creatures, which are native to Central and South America, were first spotted in the state in 2017.Biologists say the iguanas are eating the leaves of several types of endangered plants, including the Texas Ebony and Torreya taxifolia.

"They're a voracious species," said Kristen Baum, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who oversees the recovery program for Torreya taxifolia. "They'll eat any vegetation they can get their mouth on."

The iguana invasion has forced biologists to launch an emergency effort to save the endangered plants. They are using fences to keep the iguanas out of certain areas and using herbicides to kill the plants that the iguanas are eating.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has also launched a public education campaign to warn people about the dangers posed by the iguanas.

Iguana sightings reported in California for first time

The iguana, a large, spiny lizard typically found in Mexico and Central America, has been spotted in California for the first time.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Tuesday that a motorist recently photographed an iguana near Blythe, a desert town on the state's border with Arizona.

Officials say they don't know how the lizard ended up in California, but they are asking the public to keep an eye out for it and report any sightings.

Iguanas can grow to more than five feet long and weigh up to 15 pounds. They are popular as pets in the U.S., but can also be destructive when they escape or are released into the wild.

They typically eat insects, spiders and other small animals, but will also feed on fruits, vegetables and flowers.