The Iguana lizard is just one of quite a lot of creatures that really love Southwest Florida – even though they probably shouldn't really be here. Often unfortunately for native animals and plants, invasive species (animal and plant) seem to thrive in this greenhouse climate.
Not exactly beautiful, but fascinating (or at least I think so). There's a whole colony living in and on the rocky rip-rap in front of the Army Corps of Engineers office in Clewiston, across the canal from the Marina where we docked at the Lake. (All pictures taken from across the 50 foot canal at my camera's maximum magnification. The iguanas are three to four feet long.)
Springtime — and an Iguana's thoughts turn to …. courtship.
(They're holding hands!)
The consensus of experts seems to be that Iguanas are pretty much here to stay. And that if left alone they probably won't harm people or pets. (But they might destroy your garden.) Here are some articles for further information:
Florida Animal Rights Organization article is here.
Florida's Iguana Infestation, Melissa Kaplan
Dealing with Iguanas in Florida landscapes , University of Florida
LINKING to Eileen's SATURDAY CRITTERS and to Michelle's NATURE NOTES. ( Thank you both!)
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