It happened again: An iguana popped up in the toilet of another South Florida home
It happened again.
Iguana Lifestyles trapper Harold Rondan got yet another call about an iguana plopping into a toilet bowl last Monday morning in Hollywood.
In video provided to the Miami Herald, you can see Rondan gingerly approach the bowl with a large metal rod; a few seconds later the iguana is clamped onto the rod, squirming to no avail.
The homeowner asks what the wrangler is going to do with the unwanted house guest, and Rondan informs him that, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision, it must be destroyed humanely, as an iguana is considered an invasive species.
“They can cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including seawalls and sidewalks,” says the agency’s website. “Iguanas, like all nonnative, invasive species, are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law.”
That means the animal cannot be subjected to a painful, torturous death such as a drowning or poisoning. Their death must be as quick as painless as possible. A shot to the head with an air rifle, which fires pellets instead of bullets, is often the preferred weapon, Rondan said.
Late last month, a woman also was in need of Rondan’s services after encountering an iguana in her toilet in the wee hours of the morning while it was still dark out. She luckily had turned on the light and put on her glasses before sitting down.
Rondan says he lately he’s been averaging about 10 calls a day for iguana removals from toilets.
Their entry is gained through the vents on the roof; simple mesh covering can help you avoid this problem altogether.
Rondan can do the dirty work for you, or a cheaper option is heading to your local Home Depot and DYI-ing. Just be careful up there.
This story was originally published October 11, 2021 at 2:03 PM.
