17-05-2025
Cape Coral residents battle iguana takeover
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents in a Cape Coral neighborhood are battling an unusual infestation: huge iguanas.
NBC affiliate Gulf Coast News reported that one house has been vacant since Hurricane Ian in 2022, and since then, iguanas have arrived by the dozens, and nothing seems to help.
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One neighbor, Rick Wheeler, said he's killed over 20, but they keep coming back.
'At any point in time, you can see 10, 15 iguanas outside,' he told Gulf Coast News.
Green iguanas are invasive and now number in the thousands across South Florida. Like other invasive reptiles, you can humanely kill iguanas on your property year-round.
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Photos and video shows iguanas covering the property outside, hanging out on the roof and even peeking through the windows from inside the house.
They aren't small either, Wheeler caught one that measured almost six feet long.
But the city says because its a nuisance and not a public safety concern, they won't use tax dollars to address the problem.
Neighbors are concerned that if nothing is done, the iguanas will continue to spread through the neighborhood.
Here are some tips from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to help deter iguanas from your property.
Removing plants that act as attractants, like fruits and flowers
Filling in holes to discourage burrowing
Hanging wind chimes or other items that make intermittent noises
Hanging CDs that have reflective surfaces
Spraying the animals with water as a deterrent
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