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.