If you thought that the wild side of Florida was limited to South Beach, there’s more to the story. In the suburban area of Palmetto Bay, Miami, homeowners recently found themselves unexpectedly hosting a gathering of sorts—98 surprise iguana eggs hidden in their yard.
Upon discovering the eggs, the homeowner reached out to Humane Iguana Control, and what they uncovered was astounding, even by Florida’s standards. Michael Ronquillo, the owner, mentioned, “We removed 98 eggs. The three female iguanas had all created nests in connected burrows, each with their own set of eggs.”
This discovery, following thorough inspections and setup with traps, might just earn the status of a local record. Ronquillo expressed, “This is the most eggs we’ve ever taken from a single location. We’ve never seen so many all at once.”
While it may seem dramatic to outsiders, for locals in South Florida, dealing with invasive species is just part of life. Ronquillo pointed out, “Iguanas aren’t just a nuisance; they come with health risks, they can ruin landscapes, and they dig burrows that could potentially harm infrastructure.” In one notable incident, an iguana-related hole caused $1.8 million in damages by breaching a dam.
“They’ve been known to dig through streets and sidewalks,” he added. “And if they’re burrowing in your yard, you often won’t realize it until there’s a collapse.” Beyond property concerns, there are also sanitation issues. “They leave droppings near pools, schools, and play areas, which is hazardous,” Ronquillo explained. “We get numerous calls from schools where kids play under trees. The iguanas are just… well, doing their business.” Iguanas are quite prolific when it comes to laying eggs. According to Ronquillo, “They have a hatch rate of 93%. If this client hadn’t called us, the entire neighborhood could’ve faced serious issues within months.”
So, why did this garden turn into an iguana nursery? The answer lies in the property’s appeal. “They’ll test various spots, and if the ground is too hard or too hot, they’ll move on,” he noted. “But this yard—soft soil, shade, and water nearby—made it perfect.” Homeowners who spot an iguana should avoid covering up any holes. “The worst mistake is to hide it,” Ronquillo advised. His team uses visible markers to indicate burrows before calling in experts. “Once a hole is covered, it complicates the process of removing the eggs,” he cautioned.
Ronquillo’s team employs cameras and specialized equipment to trace the iguana tunnels. “It’s not merely about digging; it’s crucial to understand their movements and the structure of their burrows,” he explained. Iguana breeding typically happens from February to May, but Ronquillo warns that encounters can occur year-round. “We’ve seen baby iguanas born in July, August, and September,” he mentioned, emphasizing their invasive nature since arriving via the pet trade or natural disasters in the 1960s.
Florida provides an ideal environment for iguanas, thanks to its warm climate and plentiful food sources without predators. These creatures eat the eggs of native birds, ruin landscaping, and create burrows that threaten roads and infrastructure. “Their effect is significant enough that Florida considers them public nuisances, prompting humane removal efforts,” Ronquillo stated.
If you discover an iguana burrow, resist the urge to tackle it yourself. “Don’t try to handle it alone; do not poison the area,” Ronquillo warned. “Mark it and call a licensed removal service.” Iguanas come with built-in defenses, including sharp claws and swift tails, so amateur attempts can lead to injuries.
The homeowner in Miami made a proactive call that helped prevent a wave of these invasive reptiles from moving into the neighborhood. Ronquillo emphasized, “This client helped us avert what could have been a serious issue. If more individuals acted swiftly, we could make a significant impact.” His concluding message was clear: it’s about collective action. “If everyone plays their part, we can safeguard our environment and community, just like this client did.”
