Wild Iguanas in Key West (PICS)

[Jakob]

Look at these cute guys!

Later,

Jake

 

[Lochala]

Are they native or introduced?

 

[Jakob]

They're introduced. They're native to latin America. These particular Iguanas I found in Key Largo, which is where you can find Toaky Geckos as well, but I couldn't spot any since I was only passing by and there for a short time during the day, would've had better luck at night!

Later,

Jake

 

[Atalanta]

Beautiful pictures - it's neat to see them in the wild!

 

[strat321]

wildlife in miami

the problem with the subtropics is a lot of animals can make it in the wild.

I'm in the burbs of Miami. I've had the usual anoles and geckos in the yard. As well as basilisk lizards, iguanas, and a rat snake. People dump their fish and gators in the canals. rangers killed a 20' burmese python in the everglades recently.
not to mention the birds...

 

[Washout]

From what I read burmese are now well established in the everglades. But the source was kind of dubious.

 

[Ultimate Instar]

I recall from watching a National Geo documentary several years ago that some exotics escaped due to hurricanes. In particular, I remember seeing an animal control officer try to capture a 10-foot saltwater crocodile. Needless to say, it was quite difficult. So while you can blame irresponsible owners for some escapees, even good keepers may have problems with loose animals. I think that Glades Herp lost some chameleons a while back. BTW, have you seen the movie Lake Placid? Bill Pulman is the local wildlife officer and Betty White plays a cute little old lady with a 35-foot salt-water croc for a pet. Rather entertaining and not quite the usual kill-the-monster movie.

Karen N.

 

[Lochala]

They are some nice lookers, Jake.

 

[Jakob]

Yeah...I've heard of all kinds of exotic animals being "established" in southern florida, not surprisingly. The thing is...where I saw these Iguanas, I saw no fruit or vegetable matter around whatsoever...I was wondering what the hell they were living off of. I must be missing something here :?

 

[Wade]

They might be finding native leaves they can eat, but more likley they're feeding on the leaves and flowers of introduced decorative flowers and shrubs.

Wade

 

[Jakob]

They might be finding native leaves they can eat, but more likley they're feeding on the leaves and flowers of introduced decorative flowers and shrubs.

Wade

I guess since it's the colder season at the moment you won't see many fruits and flowers around...that makes sense.

Either way, it was neat seeing them in the wild, wish I saw some of the other things I heard could be found there!

Later,

Jake

 

[roach dude]

hi im going down to florida (key largo) in march what can i expect to find snake and lizard wise??

 

[ingas866]

I use to own FL. wild life rescue in the Tampa/St. Pete. area. I was all ways gettting calls on non native animals. There are to many animals let out by people that do not know how to take care of them.

 

[OldHag]

went to the Bahamas and saw this MONSTER!!! IT was HUGE!!! its tail was thicker than my arm!!! Wish the picture showed it better...

 

[Jakob]

went to the Bahamas and saw this MONSTER!!! IT was HUGE!!! its tail was thicker than my arm!!! Wish the picture showed it better...

Was it roaming around in the wild, too? These guys get pretty damn large. One of the ones I took a picture of was a good 5 feet long.

Later,

Jake

 

[MilkmanWes]

Was going through a box of photos I inherited from my dad and found a picture of a feral iguana on the wall of his condo building in Melbourne, Fla. Will scan it and post it. Have also seen wild ones in Louisiana around New Orleans.

 

[OldHag]

Was it roaming around in the wild, too? These guys get pretty damn large. One of the ones I took a picture of was a good 5 feet long.

Later,

Jake

Yes, it was wild! It was on a wee island in the Bahamas (Coco Kay) I was the only one facinated by it!! They all rolled their eyes when I insisted they take the boat over so I could take a picture I Love Reptiles....