WPTV is committed to Protecting Paradise. We are focused on environmental issues with a goal of helping to bring awareness to existing problems and search for workable solutions. Have a story idea? Email us at paradise@wptv.com
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - If you are seeing more green iguanas in your yard this summer you are not alone. Experts say a mild winter is causing the population here in South Florida to explode.
“We are in South Florida so let’s be real, we are not going to get rid of all the iguanas, all we can hope to do is control and prevent them from coming back,” said Iguana Busters owner Steve Kavashansky.
🌴 SPECIAL COVERAGE: Protecting Paradise
Kavashansky started the company Iguana Busters in 2018. He says he got the idea after seeing firsthand the need to trap the invasive species throughout Palm Beach County.
“In the beginning, we were seeing our traps were full 20 to 25 iguanas a day,” said Kavashansky.
Florida Fish and Wildlife is encouraging you to get rid of the green iguanas from your property. They are known to cause damage to sea walls and are invasive. Experts recommend using fruit like bananas and mangoes to attract the reptile into a trap.
“Iguanas have a keen sense of smells so what we are doing is giving them a path to follow,” said Kavashansky.
It’s often referred to as chicken of the trees. It’s a popular dish in the Caribbean that’s now making it’s way to the U.S.
“Believe it or not there’s actually a company in California that sells iguana meat for $59.99 a pound,” said Kavashansky.
Kavashansky is currently looking for a nonprofit to donate the meat to here in South Florida. He says right now he disposes the animal in a landfill but knows some people enjoy eating them.
For more information: CLICK HERE