Wild Iguanas at Markham Park Florida

Javk

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No offense to iguana lovers but I despise iguanas in Florida. They are extremely invasive and are killing off much of the native population. They create burrows, destroy entire roads, and carry diseases. These are one of the only reptiles I do not enjoy.
 

g4mobile

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No offense to iguana lovers but I despise iguanas in Florida. They are extremely invasive and are killing off much of the native population. They create burrows, destroy entire roads, and carry diseases. These are one of the only reptiles I do not enjoy.
I grew up in South FL and some would agree with your statement. Although, I’m not one of them. They can be a nuisance if you have a pool in the yard, as they love to use them like a toilet. Other than that, they eat weeds and live along the canals for the most part. I just haven’t seen the major destruction you mention. I think Lanscaping companies and lawn mowers kill more of the native plants than an iguana.
 

Cathie G

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I've read that the iguanas aren't in their native home. But really, I've not seen them hurt an anole. I have seen a big black ant kill one though. As hard as I tried I couldn't change the outcome.
 

ZEROPILOT

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I've read that the iguanas aren't in their native home. But really, I've not seen them hurt an anole. I have seen a big black ant kill one though. As hard as I tried I couldn't change the outcome.
Green Iguanas are almost 100% vegetarian (almost 100%)
They wouldn't care about an Anole
 

Cathie G

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Green Iguanas are almost 100% vegetarian (almost 100%)
They wouldn't care about an Anole
Yes it's usually about what you actually witnessed. I didn't see any burrowing but I was living out in the country swamp. My first encounter was a crashing sound down through some kind of palm tree. Lo and behold there was this humongous lizard!!! I was trying to just sit there and mind my own business listening to wink. It didn't work. Also I'd been living there for quite some time before that incident. After that I would see them quite often just getting a suntan. The point is they were in the trees not burrowing. ?
 

g4mobile

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Yes it's usually about what you actually witnessed. I didn't see any burrowing but I was living out in the country swamp. My first encounter was a crashing sound down through some kind of palm tree. Lo and behold there was this humongous lizard!!! I was trying to just sit there and mind my own business listening to wink. It didn't work. Also I'd been living there for quite some time before that incident. After that I would see them quite often just getting a suntan. The point is they were in the trees not burrowing. ?
100% agree with your statement. I have iguanas living in trees and mangroves all around me. I see them every day. I’ve never seen an iguana burrowing. I’m sure they burry their eggs, but not burrowing. They live in trees, forage for weeds and are incredible swimmers. I enjoy watching them.
 

MichaelL

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Wow, I went to Florida 5 times, and I’ve only saw one iguana! I’m going in February so I’ll look carefully for bitten leaves and flower bushes without flowers. Thanks for sharing!
-Mickey
Go by the waterways in very south florida. Guaranteed to see several. I love them.
 

nightoff

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Along the slopes of the larger canals you can see large holes where they are burrowing. They love to dig holes along my seawall and they eat everything I try to grow for the tortoises. You should see the plastic and metal cages I’ve had to build just to protect a few plants for my tortoises. They’re great at ignoring something for about six months and then once you think they don’t like it, they’ll come and eat every leaf off of it. ? Like some tortoises they will eat carrion and birds eggs that they come across. I have to go around and pick up all the iguana poop in my backyard before I let my tortoises wander. My female loves to eat any poop from any animal she can find. Ick!
 
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