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.