Is it illegal to eat an iguana in Florida?

As an invasive species, the iguana is not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. So, if you see one on your property, you can humanely kill and eat the animal. The FWC even encourages it.

Why are there so many iguanas in Puerto Rico?

In countries throughout Latin America, iguanas are endangered and considered a luxury, particularly iguana eggs. But in the U.S., including in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the invasive species is a pesty problem. Iguanas first came to Puerto Rico and Florida through the pet trade in the 1960s.

When did the iguana first come to Florida?

Iguanas first came to Puerto Rico and Florida through the pet trade in the 1960s. Puerto Rico lays claim to a variety of iguana species, and Florida has three: the Mexican spiney-tailed iguana, the black spiney-tailed iguana and the green iguana, the most common species, which can weigh up to 30 pounds.

Where do people get their iguana meat from?

But eating iguana meat is nothing new. In fact, it’s a common delicacy in Mexico, Central and South America — and in trendy U.S. restaurants that cater to anyone craving a lizard entree. Iguana gourmets in the U.S. are sometimes immigrants from other countries looking for a taste of home.

Is it illegal to have an iguana as a pet?

Although iguanas are adorable creatures to be adopted, not all of them can be adopted as pets due to many reasons. Such as some of them require difficult living conditions while others are very rare to be found as they are about to be extinct and thus may be illegal to be kept.

What are the pros and cons of having an iguana?

Your iguana should not have any smell. If it poops in the water, there will be minimal smell as well. Iguanas are also very quiet and don’t make any noise apart from some hissing when unhappy. Your iguana loves routines. It will often eat and poop at the same time of the day, making it easier for your to perform daily tasks.

How often should I feed an iguana as a pet?

Iguanas have great eyesight and will become stressed if they feel something is watching them without escape. After this settling in period, start by handling 1once per week for around 10 – 20minutes dependant on their reaction to handling, if they become irritated slowly move them back to their enclosure.

Is it possible to potty train an iguana?

Your iguana is smart and recognizes you. Most reptiles don’t recognize their owners, but iguanas are smarter. Iguanas actually do recognize their owners and even their voice. They need time to bond with their owners, but after that they trust and even love them. You can potty train your iguana. Yes, iguanas are smart and usually poop only in water.