Iguanas invading Marco Island

COLLIER COUNTY: Iguanas are native to South America and Mexico but they are now invading Marco Island. Residents say they’re concerned the unwelcome visitors may soon take over the island but city officials say there is not much they can do.
Residents say the iguanas lurk on the docks, seawalls, in the grass, and in the bushes.
"They don't belong here," said Collier resident Patty Stamatis.
Not only do the scaly-skinned iguanas bite, scratch and slap with their tails, Stamatis says they are eating her hibiscus flowers.
City manager Bill Moss encourages anyone with a problem to trap the iguana or hire someone to dispose of the animal. Because iguanas are exotic species, they can't be re-released.
"We’ve decided we're not going to do anything about it just because there are mixed opinions. People probably brought them in as pets, and then released them as they got bigger," said Moss.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida on Keewaydin Island is only a few miles from Marco Island. Conservancy officials say it’s possible iguanas are swimming from Keewaydin and ending up on Marco.
Steve Carbol, of the Conservancy, says Hurricane Wilma also explains the population increase.
"A lot of people have animals in outdoor enclosures here in Florida. When a hurricane blows through, it obliterates the enclosures, but not the creatures within, and they make their escape," said Carbol.
The iguana population is taking off and Stamatis says Marco Island officials need to take some action before the iguanas take over.
"Iguanas left unattended are going to multiply tremendously. You figure 75 eggs for every iguana every year, that's a lot of iguanas," said Stamatis.
Environmental officials emphasize if you have an iguana for a pet, do not release it into the wild.
The City of Marco Island says while many people consider iguanas a nuisance, others feel they're beautiful animals that should not be killed.


References:
NBC 2