So You Think You Saw an Alligator in Your Pool? Think Again: A Guide to Florida's Unexpected Houseguests (with Scales)
Florida: land of sunshine, beaches, and...iguanas? That's right, folks, Florida's got a bit of a surprise waiting for unsuspecting tourists and even long-time residents. Forget the alligators in the pool (although, keep an eye out for those too!), we're talking about the prehistoric-looking, emerald green, and occasionally spiky residents that have become an unexpected part of the Sunshine State's ecosystem.
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| What Kind Of Iguanas Are In Florida |
The Usual Suspects: Unveiling Florida's Iguana All-Stars
While you might be picturing a whole Jurassic Park situation, fear not! Florida's main reptilian roommates come in three flavors:
The Green Giant: The most common iguana you'll see is the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana). These guys are the life of the party, at least in the iguana world, with their vibrant green scales and impressive size (they can grow up to 6 feet long!). They love basking in the sun, chilling by the pool (looking for a pool party invite?), and munching on all the delicious flora Florida has to offer.
Spikes for Days: Next up, we have the spiky-tailed crew: the Mexican Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) and the Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis). These rockstars are a bit smaller than the Green Iguana, but they make up for it with their, well, spiky tails. Think of them as the punks of the iguana world, with their Mohawk-like dorsal spines and a taste for adventure (sometimes that adventure involves taking up residence in your attic).
Important Note: These iguanas are all invasive species. That means they're not originally from Florida and can cause problems for the native wildlife. So, while they can be interesting to look at, it's best to admire them from afar.
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Iguana Intrigue: Fun Facts That Will Make You Say "Whaaat?"
Did you know iguanas are like the ninjas of the reptile world? They can change colors to blend in with their surroundings! And if that wasn't impressive enough, they can also detach their tails if they feel threatened (though it won't grow back!). They're basically the Houdinis of the lizard world, with a taste for hibiscus leaves.
How to Live in Harmony with Florida's Scaly Squatters
Look, iguanas aren't exactly cuddly (unless you're into that sort of thing), but they can be fascinating creatures to observe. If you find yourself sharing your space with an unwanted iguana guest, here are a few tips:
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- Keep your landscaping iguana-unfriendly: They love munching on plants, so opt for less appetizing options. Spiky plants are a good deterrent, or you could try surrounding your property with a fence.
- Eliminate hiding spots: Iguanas love cozying up in dark, hidden places. Trim tree branches and seal up any holes in your house to make your property less iguana-attractive.
- Call in the professionals: If all else fails, there are wildlife removal services that can humanely relocate these unwanted guests.
Frequently Asked Iguana Inquiries:
How to identify an iguana? Look for a long, slender body, green or brown scales, and (depending on the species) a spiky tail.
How big do iguanas get? Green Iguanas can grow up to 6 feet long, while Spiny-tailed Iguanas are typically smaller, around 3-4 feet.
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Are iguanas dangerous? Iguanas are not venomous and their bites are rarely serious. However, they can scratch and their droppings can carry diseases.
Can I keep an iguana as a pet? In some parts of Florida, it's illegal to keep iguanas as pets. They also require specialized care, so it's best to leave them to the wild.
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What should I do if I see an iguana in my yard? Enjoy the (slightly terrifying) wildlife viewing experience! If they're causing problems, try the deterrents mentioned above or call a wildlife removal service.
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