Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was looking at video clips and came across one about the iguana "problem" in Florida. Local residents are complaining about the increased number of wild iguanas in the area. They even have a guy who goes by "The Iguans Buster" who catches the lizards, then puts them in a freezer so that they "fall asleep" and of course, die. He calls it "humane". Excuse me, but since when did we become God and make the decision to kill off an animal that does nothing to hurt us, but rather contributes to the natural beauty and wonder of this sadistic world in which we live? They only reach lengths of 5 ft, are not primarily carnivorous, and even then eat nothing larger than eggs or invertebrates, maybe an occasional small rodent. They can't attack and kill a human, no matter what size. Ooooh, poor babies, they ate some of your precious flowers, and ate the leaves off of your tree. That in itself is not enough of a reason to kill off an animal that does not pose any threat whatsoever to human life. I apologize for the rant, though I am just disgusted with the human nature to kill anything we please just because it may be an eyesore (to some people, not all. some have said that they enjoy seeing them, even consider them a pet they don't have to feed as it lives on it's own.) or because it ate our *#%^ing flowers?!? I am sorry if I have offended any person, but if you can't figure out another way to deal with your problem, then move. Even then something else is going to bother, so why not kill all wildlife while we're at it. Birds, that incessant chirping; bb gun, problem solved. Snakes, ewww, they're creepy; that's why we shovels i guess. Plus, they make a great belt, don't they? Hell, that dog barking across the street, let's take him out too. Actual quotes: "They're nasty" "There is nothing socially redeeming about an iguana". Nothing socially redeeming? Ok, I don't find anything "socially redeeming" about the guy who made this comment, does that give me a right to put him a freezer, where he simply falls asleep, never to wake up again. At least it's humane. Whatever happened to rescue missions for animals? I thought the human thing to do would be capture, transport them somewhere else, or simply get over it. Humane. Last time I was in a walk-in freezer in a restaurant, I found nothing humane about freezing my b@##* off, let alone the possibility of dying under such conditions. Anyone from florida, I apologize if I have offended you. Of course, if you are on this forum, I highly doubt that you agree with the measures taken in this situation. Killing is not humane, no matter how little "pain and discomfort" may be associated with it. Killing is an easy out, with absolute disregard to other options. Sorry for the long post, I am simply disgusted and apalled with the story I heard. Humane. Whatever.

I applaud your passion. Iguanas are considered an invasive species, not native to that region. They are pushing out native species. Your comparisons dont really apply. Sounds like you are worried about the iguanas like they are worried about their plants and animals. You should read about conservation, or start a rescue.

I understand that iguanas are not native to the area. I understand the over population and the destruction that they can cause. It was late when I wrote the post, so I may not have been too clear or even fully informed. The iguanas are a problem in the area, I agree. I was just sick to my stomach and outraged when I saw the way that they were dealing with the situation, by putting the lizard in a freezer. I may have been a little out there in my comparisons, actually way out in left field. Like I said, I was tired when I wrote it. I just disagree completely on the killing of the animals. Thanks for replying. Have a nice day.

Do any concerned parties; here is the low down:

Deborah

SALE / ADOPTION NOTICE:

This morning the Today Show aired a segment on the county-mandated extermination (capture and freezing) of black spiny-tail iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) on Gasparilla Island in Florida . Iguana Busters is a private company which is live-trapping the iguanas and has them available for adoption / rescue / sale right now as an alternative to euthanasia by freezing. Every iguana adopted will not be killed as long as they can be adopted out on the day of capture. New individuals are arriving daily. Anybody can apply – we are especially looking for pet wholesalers and exporters as well as private individuals. There are hundreds available for the cost of shipping. FWC and USFWS have been notified and are fully cooperating. Shipping methods have been established. Theses are healthy very high-quality Ctenosaura similis of all sizes and ages. Please contact Iguana Busters at their website www.iguanabusters.com.

Every iguana that can be adopted / sold will not have to be killed by the end of the day. Please help!

Susanne Kynast susanne@maineline.net

SITUATION REPORT / ACTIVISM REQUESTED:

A lot of you were appalled by the iguanas being stuffed into freezers on the Today Show. Here is a critical update on the issue:

There are approximately 10,000 Black spiny-tailed iguanas Ctenosaura similis on Gasparilla island. They are invasive there and the residents want them gone or at least their numbers dramatically reduced. Like any invasive species they cause damage to native species, with probably the biggest issue being sea turtles. When the ordinance change exempting iguanas from protection came into effect, island residents started a free-for-all iguana killing spree with horrible consequences. Iguana Busters is a company attempting to help by removing iguanas professionally. Iguana Busters does not want to kill the iguanas if there is another option. They are willing to create holding facilities for adoption, and ship iguanas to new owners. What we need are people willing to organize an adoption campaign and reptile keepers willing to adopt. Most importantly we need anyone interested in relocating those animals back into their native range. THE KEY PROBLEM IS THAT LEE COUNTY IS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR A CONTRACT TO KILL ALL IGUANAS ON THE ISLAND . THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY LIVE SOLUTIONS AND ARE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT CRUELTY. Iguana Busters was considering bidding on the county contract but they are not interested in the whole-scale killing of the iguanas. Iguana Busters does NOT need your comments on humane euthanasia. In order to save the iguanas of Gasparilla island you need to protest to Elizabeth Walker at walkerl@leegov.com who is the public resources manager in charge of the iguana issue and who believes that killing them by any means is the only right thing to do. Copy your protests to Scott Trebatoski at strebatoski@leegov.com who is the Director of Animal Services in Lee County and very receptive to a humane solution, the Lee County government at questions@leegov.com, and Bonnie McGee from the iguana committee on Gasparilla island at bocabee1@comcast.net. Send information on inhumane euthanasia as well as your opinion on relocation. I offered the pet trade, adoption, and relocation into their native range as options, but Elizabeth Walker was only interested in killing them. The company which wins the contract will be FORBIDDEN to allow any iguana off the island alive! It will be up to you to change her mind. They will be meeting on the extermination contract on Tuesday October 31. PLEASE make all your concerns known to them as quickly as possible. HERE IS YOUR ONE AND ONLY CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY MAILING!! PLEASE HELP!

As far as Iguana Busters is concerned, they will adopt out! Inform yourself on this species and e-mail me at susanne@maineline.net with any help you can give. If YOU can find a place for those iguanas to go, they will not die. If YOU adopt one, it will live.

Please help and God bless!

Susanne Kynast

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Deborah

1.0 bearded dragons
1.0 adopted green iguanas
0.3 furry 4-legged
barking kids
1.0 furry 4-legged
skitzo kid (ferret)
0.1 of the 2-legged
scaleless/furless variety