[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Readers in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach Lighthouse Point and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea have been noticing the increasing presence of iguanas- pretty much everywhere you look.  It seems to be the talk of the towns lately.

According to the FWC, you can go ahead and kill them if you would like:

Green iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered to be an invasive species due to the damage they can cause to seawalls, sidewalks, and landscape plants. This species is not protected in Florida expect by anti-cruelty law. Homeowners do not need a permit to kill iguanas on their own property, and the FWC encourages homeowners to kill green iguanas on their own property whenever possible. Iguanas can also be killed year-round and without a permit on 22 public lands in south Florida.

Captive held iguanas are regulated as Class III wildlife in the State of Florida. A permit is not required to possess green iguanas as personal pets. However, a License to Possess Class III Wildlife for Exhibition or Public Sale must be obtained to possess these reptiles for commercial use and a Captive Wildlife Importation Permit is required to import this species into the state.”

However, last year, the , the Humane Society of the United States and the South Florida Wildlife Center came out against the killing of the iguanas.   “The killing of [them] in Florida is unnecessary, inhumane and will ultimately be ineffective,” said Nicole Paquette, HSUS vice president for wildlife protection, via press release. “Conflicts with iguanas can be mitigated, and any killing that is done other than by properly-applied American Veterinary Medical Association approved methods is unacceptable, as is clearly the case with the brutal approach of banging iguanas against walls and boats.”

According to USA TODAY, ” The green iguana actually comes in blue, brown to almost black. Some adults can take on an orange or pink coloration during certain times of the year. Hatchling and young green iguanas usually are bright green. They get big. Male green iguanas can grow to over 5 feet in length and weigh up to 17 pounds. Females reach lengths similar to those of males, but usually do not exceed 7 pounds. They live about a decade in the wild and can last twice that long in captivity.”


This story was prepared by our Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point news desk with additional  information from various public sources and other websites.

For more Pompano Beach news and things to do in Pompano Beach read Pompano! magazine and search our website.

For more Deerfield Beach news and events information you can go to our website and read our publication, Deerfield Beach Magazine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”8427″ img_size=”Full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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