Reports of removal of invasive species - in this case Iguanas. How should it be done? Link to a video and the FWC guidelines on removing the invasive iguana

Another in my opinion series. What are your thoughts? The reason I raise this issue relates to sudden reports here in Palmetto Bay residents who have witnessed various animals being caught, killed and removed here in Palmetto Bay. Are any Village Officials monitoring this? Is Village leadership even aware of these 'hunts' and, if so, what is the plan? Or is this one of those 'fail to see, fail to act' situations?

I have embedded a video that the photographer asserts to be of people on the canal killing iguanas. The videographer acknowledges that Iguanas are considered to be a nuisance, but thinks they should be killed humanely, and questions if the method in the video is humane. These guys are snagging the iguanas with a snare, and then shooting them with a pellet gun.  In this video, you can see at least 3 shots to one iguana.  I doubt it is dead at this point. 

The allegation is that these hunters are being paid $50 per iguana from the gated community to the south of the videographer.  (I am withholding the location of the HOA at least at this time).

The Videographer has issues imagining this would be considered humane. Don't get me wrong, these Iguanas are invasive. They are damaging our native areas. The issue is proper methods, humane methods and using licensed removers. Are they? I don't know. That is why I am putting this out there to stimulate debate and awareness.  As stated by FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto: "...(They - FWC) are asking the public to just go out there and shoot them up. This is not what we are about; this is not the ‘wild west.’ If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from professionals who do this for a living..."

What is your opinion of this method of Iguana removal?



Note – It is legal to kill Iguanas - Property owners are free to humanely kill the iguanas, or trap them and bring them in to a veterinarian or humane society for euthanasia. It is illegal to poison the creatures. Iguanas, like all nonnative, invasive species, are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law.

CLICK HERE to view the official FWC site relating to the Invasive Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)  Information below taken verbatim from the FWC Website:

Frequently Asked Questions Can I remove iguanas from my property? Green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws and can be humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission. The FWC encourages removal of green iguanas from private properties by landowners. Members of the public may also remove and kill iguanas from 22 FWC managed public lands without a license or permit under Executive Order 17-11. Captured iguanas cannot be relocated and released at other locations in Florida. Homeowners that trap iguanas on their property may be able to obtain euthanasia services from local exotic veterinarians, humane societies or animal control offices depending on the location and availability of services. If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from a professional nuisance wildlife trapper.

CLICK HERE to view prior related posts of Invasive Species in our community. This is my 30th post relating to invasive species.

HOWEVER! Read the FWC statement (CLICK HERE):

Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and are not native to our state. They can cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including seawalls and sidewalks. Iguanas, like all nonnative, invasive species, are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. While they cannot be relocated, they can be removed from private property with landowner permission.

“Unfortunately, the message has been conveyed that we are asking the public to just go out there and shoot them up. This is not what we are about; this is not the ‘wild west.’ If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from professionals who do this for a living,” said FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto.