Iguana Removal in West Palm, FL

Can’t I Just Do It Myself?

Removing iguanas by yourself is only allowed if you do so humanely. If you use illegal methods, you can get arrested for animal cruelty. Any form of animal torture can be punished with one year in prison, and it is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Even if you are on private property, you can be charged with animal cruelty if you are videoed or photographed with iguanas still alive after being harmed. Here are examples of illegal methods you need to avoid:

Poisoning

Even though iguanas are a non-native and invasive species, they still fall under the anti-cruelty law though they are not protected. It is illegal to poison iguanas in any way. Although Florida laws allow the killing of iguanas, it still has to be done in humane ways. It is recommended that you capture them instead and have them transported safely.

Drowning

Iguanas are not amphibious and are unable to survive underwater for longer periods of time. Some landowners have resorted to drowning iguanas, which is also illegal. This is considered animal cruelty, as the animal has to suffer while being unable to breathe underwater before it loses consciousness.

Freezing

Another incorrect approach is to freeze iguanas. This is also considered animal cruelty because the iguanas undergo extreme discomfort for several hours before dying.

Shooting

Many individuals are under the impression that shooting an iguana is a humane way to kill them; however, this can also cause terrible pain to iguanas. Bullets sometimes miss and clip a targeted iguana, and even if a bullet does hit an iguana, this may not kill it. Iguanas have tough skin and may be painfully wounded instead.

Decapitation

It is also illegal to decapitate iguanas, as this causes severe pain to the lizards. A reptile’s brain can remain active after decapitation. They are still able to feel their severed body for an undetermined amount of time.

How Do Professionals Remove Iguanas

Professional iguana handlers are adept at trapping and capturing iguanas without needing to harm them. The most common approaches include using noose poles, traps, nets, and by hand.

Catching Iguanas With Noose Poles

Because iguanas are fast runners, catching them with noose poles requires experience. A professional knows how to loop the nose around the lizard’s neck and secure them before they notice to keep them from fleeing once caught safely. Nooses are made with a long pole and an adjustable strap that closes once the lizard is lifted. The pole is hard to break or bend, and the wire is too thick for the iguana to rip. The noose won’t hurt the lizard and can be loosened once the lizard is under control.

Catching Iguanas With Traps

Professionals use traps in live cages that are humanely made but are too harsh for iguanas to break free of. They are placed nearby strategic points where iguanas are likely to congregate. There might be a vegetable, fruit, or flower inside to attract the iguanas. As soon as an iguana enters the cage, it automatically closes, preventing the animal’s escape. There are also repeating reptile cages that allow multiple iguanas to be caught. Between 20 to 25 iguanas can be caught with these cages.

Learn More About Iguana Removal in West Palm

You can get the help you need from professionals who have years of experience dealing with iguanas. These lizards are increasingly becoming a problem as their population goes out of control. Instead of frequently dealing with them yourself, get the help of professional iguana catchers. To learn more, you can call Iguana Control today for additional information.