Latest news with #iguana
CBS News
7 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Why iguanas are spreading across South Florida — and what you can do about them
A South Florida woman recently found a Mexican spiny-tailed iguana in her toilet, highlighting how invasive reptiles are increasingly making their presence known in the region. Kristy Simpson said she quickly got rid of the iguana after spotting it in her bathroom. While some residents, like Ted Inserra, say they don't mind seeing iguanas around their homes, they draw the line when the reptiles show up indoors. "I know a lot of people. I mean since I was a kid I was a big reptile and amphibian guy," Inserra said. "Then I'd have a problem. Yes indeed." According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species. Thomas Portuallo, who owns Iguana Control, a trapping business, said sightings are especially common during the summer. "Well that's not as common but it does happen. Every time come the summertime when they're more active, they'll find a way to get into the toilet. And that's a scary event," Portuallo said. When asked how iguanas manage to enter homes through toilets, Portuallo explained: "Most commonly it's up through the sewage." He noted that iguanas are difficult to keep away because of their eating habits. "We like to plant these flowers that explode and pop in color. That's what they like to go after," he said. To reduce the risk of finding one inside, Portuallo recommends trimming trees, keeping iguanas off roofs, and avoiding certain types of screens that they can climb. Inserra said iguanas are a regular presence around his house. "We have some of their deposits around the pool every now and then. And clean that up. It's almost like having about 20 dogs outside," he said. Portuallo cautions against trying to trap or catch iguanas without professional help. He said only certified trappers should handle them and added that while they can be killed, the FWC requires it be done in a specific way.
CBS News
10 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
Video shows large iguana thrashing after crawling up toilet in South Florida home
A South Florida woman faced a startling encounter when she discovered a large Mexican spiny-tailed iguana thrashing inside her toilet, raising new concerns about invasive reptiles making their way into homes through plumbing and roof vents. Kristy Simpson said she "could clearly see" the dark, oversized iguana in her toilet bowl. Cellphone video taken by her husband shows her donning heavy gloves before grabbing the reptile and hauling it out of the bathroom. "I just went in there and I took a deep breath and said, 'I can't let go!'" Simpson recalled, laughing nervously about the frantic moments that followed. While Simpson managed to remove the iguana, the encounter left her shaken. "Every time I go to the bathroom … I want to flush it first because I'm scared an iguana's going to come up the toilet," she said. Wildlife specialists said the incident is part of a growing trend. Iguanas have been found not only in toilets but also in oven vents and other unexpected places. Harold Rondan of Iguana Lifestyles, a company that captures invasive reptiles, explained that iguanas often gain access through rooftop vent stacks or open sewage pipe cleanouts. "Once it's exposed, anything can go in — snakes, iguanas," he said. Experts recommend capping roof vents with mesh coverings to allow air flow while blocking animal entry. Without such precautions, the reptiles can slip inside homes unnoticed. Adding to the danger, the Mexican spiny-tailed iguana is known to be more aggressive than other iguana species. "Those teeth are razor sharp … they can do a lock grip and a death roll like a gator," Rondan warned, noting the risk of serious bites. The reptiles are also carriers of salmonella and other harmful bacteria.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Iguana rescued after escaping 100ft up a tree in Kent
When a 4ft iguana went missing for three days, it took a chainsaw, a pair of binoculars and a thermal imaging drone to locate the mischievous iguana, named Blue, went on her escapade on Sunday which culminated in her scaling 100ft up a tree near Rainham, Kent. Her owner Dean Tyrrell immediately contacted the National Centre for Reptile Welfare in Tonbridge for said Blue - who is now safe at home but "slightly grumpy" had been in the conservatory sitting on the window sill and it was believed she jumped onto the door handle and opened the door. Chris Newman, director of the centre, told Radio Kent he was confident Blue could be rescued quickly as "what goes up must eventually come down".Mr Newman said they were "relieved" there were no adjoining trees which meant there should not be much difficulty in locating and recapturing explained iguanas blend into their environment, especially green ones, and was hoping Blue, given her colour, would stand the clever reptile was "hiding pretty well" and her owner could not spot her for quite some meant Mr Tyrrell had to borrow a pair of binoculars from a friend and a thermal imaging drone from another friend to eventually locate her. Mr Tyrrell said despite the best efforts of the fire service, they could not access her. "Iguanas are very adept climbers. Once she was up the tree she was in her element," Mr Newman added. "She had plenty of food to eat and was quite happy. I think she was having a great time because the weather was nice and the sun was shining." Mr Newman said they had to call their friend Danny, owner of Axework Arts and an expert tree climber, for Danny arrived on Tuesday, the rescue operation did not go to plan as it was a warm day and the iguana was moving around. "Danny returned the following morning and Blue hadn't had time to wake up, so Danny could see her," Mr Newman said."It was a question of figuring out how to get an iguana out of a tree safely."Blue was rescued on Wednesday which involved Danny climbing up the tree, sawing off the branch and gently lowering her down on a rope while she was still clinging to branch."She is safely back inside the house but I think she was slightly grumpy because she quite enjoyed her escapade up the tree," Mr Newman said."But everyone's pleased to get Blue back. It was a really good day.""It had been a stressful three days but Blue is doing well. I want to thank Danny and everyone for their help," Mr Tyrrell added.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Experts remove nearly 100 reptile eggs after record-setting discovery in residential backyard: 'Nested in burrows that were all interconnected'
A homeowner in Miami, Florida, recently made headlines after contacting Humane Iguana Control to remove iguana eggs she found in her backyard. Local news station Fox 35 reported that what they found was jaw-dropping. There were 98 iguana eggs in the backyard, which, for context, is a lot — it could be a new record. Technician Michael Ronquillo said, "Three female iguanas had nested in burrows that were all interconnected, and each had laid her own clutch." Iguanas, which are invasive to Florida, have a 93% hatch rate, meaning dozens of the eggs would have turned into destructive juveniles. Iguanas are a nuisance in Florida because they damage homes and infrastructure. They dig burrows that can weaken seawalls, sidewalks, and even dams — iguanas in West Palm Beach famously caused $1.8 million in damage to a dam. They're also aggressive and unsanitary, defecating near pools, schools, and playgrounds. "We get calls from schools where kids are playing under trees, and the iguanas are just up there … going to the bathroom. Constantly," Ronquillo said. These animals prey on native bird eggs, disrupting ecosystems. With Florida's warm climate and lack of predators, iguanas introduced in the 1960s have thrived. The population is now estimated to be over a million. One way to protect your landscaping and the ecosystem from invasive species is by rewilding your yard. Florida experts suggest planting native species that iguanas don't like, such as Coontie, Simpson's Stopper, muhly grass, beautyberry, and citrus trees. These native plants deter iguanas from eating up your landscaping and making a home in your backyard, and they support pollinators, which are essential for our food supply. Upgrading to a natural lawn and using climate-smart landscaping techniques like xeriscaping also saves homeowners money and time by slashing utility bills and requiring less maintenance. Even partial lawn replacements can cut back on maintenance costs and reduce your risk of becoming the next iguana nesting site. Commenters on social media were impressed with the work by Humane Iguana Control. One person on Instagram said, "Nice work!" Another added: "Awesome work you guys do. Very proud of everything you have accomplished." Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
