If you are from South Florida you will understand that finding this little guy in your garden is NOT a good thing. Iguanas are not native to Florida and have no predators here. Their population has exploded in our warm year round weather. They can be over five feet long with sharp claws and a bull whip type tail. They are not aggressive, but will defend themselves if necessary against humans or dogs. They dig holes alongside the roadways and canals to lay their clutches of eggs, causing expensive damage. My biggest issue with iguanas? They are folivores, a herbivore that eats leaves and flowers. They will DESTROY your landscaping and your vegetable gardens. One day you have a full grown hibiscus tree, and the next day you have a sad twig. You can read more about their impact in this University of Florida publication.
Baby Green Iguana
We had a reprieve in 2010 when after 2 weeks of unusually cold temperatures most were killed. Unfortunately 6 years of mild winters have brought their populations back and hordes of them can be seen basking in the sun next to our South Florida waterways.
Baby Green Iguana
All of that being said, this little guy/gal was adorable. He was only about 6 or 7 inches so he was newly hatched. I found him hanging out in one of my potted succulents on the back deck. I don’t usually have iguana issues and assume this is because because they are afraid of my 3 dogs that are often in the garden. I’m hoping this little one moves on before he does too much damage. You have to agree, he was very photogenic!
Baby Green Iguana
Beautiful photos, and to think I complain about slugs and snails!! It certainly puts things into perspective. I don’t know what I’d do if I encountered an Iguana, not that it’s likely to happen (I’m in the UK). I’m not sure my first thought would be to reach for the camera though 🙂