Another Invasive Species in Florida

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which protects crocodiles and has strict guidelines on how deer may be hunted, has given the OK to kill the green iguana as an invasive species. The only thing that is protecting the iguanas is the anti-cruelty law. Homeowners can kill the green iguana on their own properties whenever possible and without a permit. The green iguana has found its way up from Central and South America. They damage seawalls, can undermine sidewalks, eat plants and transmit salmonella. Northern Florida, so far, is too cold for this species. The green iguana comes in green, blue and brown to almost black. Males can grow up to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 17 pounds. Females are about the same length but only weigh up to 7 pounds. This is not the first reptile invasive species to hit Florida. The Burmese python has been in the Everglades and is a big threat to all wildlife, including wading birds. Photo Credit: Pixabay