Florida Homeowner Discovers Massive Iguana Egg Cache in Backyard

Florida’s wildest residents extend beyond the iconic beaches of South Beach. In the sunny suburb of Palmetto Bay, a Miami homeowner recently stumbled upon an unexpected situation that resembled a reptilian baby shower, hosting an astonishing 98 iguana eggs in her backyard.

Realizing the magnitude of the discovery, she promptly contacted the experts at Humane Iguana Control. What they uncovered surpassed typical Floridian wildlife encounters.

Michael Ronquillo, the owner of Humane Iguana Control, revealed, “We removed 98 eggs. Three female iguanas nested in interconnected burrows, each laying her own clutch.” This finding marked a potentially local record for iguana egg removal.

Ronquillo stated, “It’s the most eggs we’ve ever removed from a single site. We haven’t found another instance of that many being taken out at once.” Although it may sound dramatic to outsiders, for South Floridians, it represents just another day in the ongoing battle against invasive wildlife.

The Challenges Posed by Iguanas

Iguanas are more than a simple nuisance, according to Ronquillo. They introduce health risks, cause significant landscape destruction, and dig burrows that threaten infrastructure. In one notorious incident, an iguana-related burrowing event in West Palm Beach led to a staggering $1.8 million in damages after compromising a dam.

“These reptiles dig under streets, sidewalks, and seawalls,” he explained. “If they are burrowing in your backyard, you may remain unaware until the ground collapses beneath you.”

A Sanitation Concern

Beyond property concerns, iguanas present serious sanitation issues. Ronquillo noted, “They defecate around pools, schools, and playgrounds, creating health hazards. We receive calls from schools where children play under trees, completely unaware of the iguanas defecating above them.”

The rapid reproduction rates of iguanas compound these issues. Ronquillo remarked, “There’s a 93% hatch rate for iguana eggs. If the homeowner hadn’t contacted us, the neighborhood would have faced a serious problem in just a few months.”

Why This Yard Became an Iguana Nesting Site

What prompted this yard to transform into an iguana maternity ward? Its prime conditions played a significant role. Ronquillo elaborated, “Iguanas assess various spots for nesting. If the ground is too hard or hot, they relocate. This specific area—featuring soft soil, ample shade, and proximity to water—was ideal. Thus, the iguanas chose it.”

What Homeowners Should Avoid

For homeowners facing an iguana invasion, taking the right steps matters immensely. Ronquillo advised, “The worst thing people can do is cover up the holes. We instruct our clients to flag the burrows with visible markers and to contact a professional. Covering holes compacts the soil, making it more challenging for us to dig the appropriate path for egg removal.”

His team employs cameras and hand-digging techniques to trace iguana tunnels. Ronquillo explained, “It isn’t merely about digging a hole and pulling something out. It involves understanding their movement and burrowing behavior.”

Understanding Iguana Breeding Seasons

Breeding season in Florida typically spans from February to May. However, Ronquillo cautioned that surprises can and do happen throughout the year. “We have witnessed baby iguanas emerging in July, August, and even September,” he stated. While spring is more common for nesting, iguanas can technically breed any time of the year.

Iguanas are not native to Florida; their invasive presence dates back to the 1960s. Ronquillo explained, “They arrived primarily via the pet trade market and cargo ships, with some being released by owners who could no longer care for them. Following hurricanes, many floated over on lumber.”

Florida’s warm climate, plentiful food sources, and lack of natural predators have allowed iguanas to thrive and multiply. Ronquillo detailed their destructive impacts by stating, “They consume native bird eggs, damage landscaping, and create burrows that endanger roads, sidewalks, and even dams.” Since their impact has been so severe, Florida classifies iguanas as a public nuisance and encourages humane removal efforts.

The Importance of Professional Help

If you notice signs of iguana activity in your yard, attempting to handle the situation personally is not advisable. Ronquillo urged, “Don’t try to remove them yourself, and absolutely do not poison them. Simply flag the area and reach out to a licensed removal company.”

These reptiles also possess embedded defense mechanisms. Ronquillo added, “They have very sharp claws and teeth, and their tails can whip at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. If you’re inexperienced, you could end up in the emergency room. We’ve had clients try to grab iguanas and suffer serious injuries.”

One proactive homeowner effectively prevented nearly 100 invasive reptiles from settling in her neighborhood. Ronquillo praised her efforts, stating, “This client helped stop a whole new infestation. If more people respond this quickly, we can truly make a difference.”

Collective Efforts for a Sustainable Environment

Ronquillo emphasized the collaborative nature of tackling this issue. “If everyone does their part, we can safeguard our environment and communities, just as this client did. Taking action really makes a difference.”