Iguana Maternity Ward Discovered in Florida Backyard: A Reptilian Real Estate Boom

Forget spring breakers and vibrant nightlife, South Florida’s true wild side can be found lurking beneath the surface, quite literally. One Palmetto Bay homeowner recently stumbled upon a sight that would make even the most seasoned Floridian’s jaw drop: a veritable iguana maternity ward, teeming with nearly a hundred unborn reptilian residents.

The discovery, made in the sun-drenched suburbs of Miami, highlights the ongoing battle between homeowners and invasive wildlife that has become a daily reality in the Sunshine State. What began as a minor concern for a homeowner quickly escalated into a full-blown excavation, revealing a network of interconnected burrows housing an astonishing 98 iguana eggs.

Michael Ronquillo, owner of Humane Iguana Control, the company called in to handle the situation, described the scene as remarkable, even by Florida’s standards. "We removed 98 eggs," he stated in an interview. "Three female iguanas had nested in burrows that were all interconnected, and each had laid her own clutch."

The sheer volume of eggs recovered from a single site is believed to be a local record. "It’s the most eggs we’ve ever removed from a single site," Ronquillo explained. "We couldn’t find another case of that many being pulled out at once."

While the story might sound like a plotline from a campy B-movie to outsiders, for South Floridians, it’s simply another day navigating the challenges posed by invasive species. Iguanas, far from being mere landscaping nuisances, pose significant health risks, inflict extensive property damage, and destabilize infrastructure with their burrowing habits.

Ronquillo elaborated on the multifaceted threat posed by these reptiles. "Iguanas are more than a nuisance," he emphasized. "They pose health risks, cause landscape destruction, and they dig burrows that can damage infrastructure."

The potential for destruction is not merely theoretical. In one particularly egregious example, iguana-related burrowing in West Palm Beach resulted in a staggering $1.8 million in damage after compromising a dam. "We’ve seen them dig under streets, sidewalks, and sea walls," Ronquillo added. "And if they’re digging in your backyard, you might not know it until the ground collapses under you."

Beyond the structural concerns, there’s the undeniable sanitation issue. Iguanas are not known for their fastidious habits, and their droppings can present a considerable health hazard. "They’ll defecate around pools, schools, playgrounds. It’s a health hazard," Ronquillo stated. "We get calls from schools where kids are playing under trees, and the iguanas are just up there… going to the bathroom. Constantly."

Adding to the urgency of the situation is the remarkable efficiency of iguana reproduction. "There’s a 93% hatch rate for iguana eggs," Ronquillo revealed. "If the client hadn’t called us, that entire neighborhood would’ve had a serious problem in just a few months."

The million-dollar question, of course, is why this particular yard became the epicenter of iguana reproduction. The answer, according to Ronquillo, lies in the real estate itself. "They’ll test a bunch of spots," he explained. "If the ground’s too hard or too hot, they’ll move on. But this spot—soft soil, some shade, near water—was perfect. So, they all locked onto it."

Homeowners facing similar situations need to exercise caution. According to Ronquillo, the most common mistake is attempting to cover up the iguana burrows. "The worst thing people can do is cover up the holes," he warned. "We tell our clients to flag the burrows, use a little irrigation flag or something visible, and call a professional. When the holes are covered, it compacts the soil and makes it harder for us to dig the right path and remove the eggs."

Humane Iguana Control employs specialized techniques, including cameras and meticulous hand-digging, to trace the intricate iguana tunnels. "It’s not just digging a hole and pulling something out," Ronquillo clarified. "You have to understand how they move and build their burrows."

While iguana breeding season typically runs from February to May, Ronquillo cautioned that unexpected nesting can occur year-round. "We’ve seen baby iguanas in July, August, even September," he stated. "So, while it’s more common in spring, it can technically happen all year."

Iguanas are not native to Florida; they are an invasive species that first appeared in the state in the 1960s. Their arrival can be attributed to the pet trade market and cargo ships. "The iguanas originally arrived through the pet trade market and cargo ships," Ronquillo explained. "They’d float over on lumber after hurricanes or be released by owners who couldn’t care for them."

Florida’s warm climate, abundant food sources, and lack of natural predators created the perfect conditions for iguanas to thrive and multiply. "They eat native bird eggs, destroy landscaping, and dig burrows that damage roads, sidewalks, and even dams," Ronquillo said.

The severity of their impact has prompted Florida to classify iguanas as a public nuisance, encouraging humane removal efforts.

Ronquillo strongly advises against DIY iguana removal. "Don’t try to remove it yourself, and definitely don’t put poison in the holes," he warned. "Just flag it, and call a licensed removal company."

Attempting to handle iguanas without proper training can lead to serious injuries. "They have very sharp claws and teeth, and their tails can whip at up to 30 miles an hour," Ronquillo explained. "If you’re not experienced, you could end up in the ER. We’ve had clients try to grab one and end up with serious injuries."

The Miami homeowner’s quick action in calling Humane Iguana Control prevented a significant infestation. "This client helped stop a whole new infestation," Ronquillo said. "If more people act that quickly, we can really make a difference."

Ronquillo concluded with a call to action. "It’s not just about one backyard," he emphasized. "If everybody does their part, we can protect our environment and our neighborhoods. Just like this client did. It really makes a difference." The story serves as a potent reminder that vigilance and responsible action are crucial in mitigating the impact of invasive species and preserving the delicate balance of Florida’s ecosystem.