Green iguanas are no match for an airgun.
When it comes to invasive species, most people immediately think of Asian carp or feral hogs. In Florida, one of the first things that comes to mind is the pythons that have established a foothold in the Sunshine State's natural areas. However, there is another problem animal that has slowly been gaining steam in the southern part of the state. Populations are now slowly making their way north.
We are talking about the green iguana. These animals are native to the Caribbean and Central and South America. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, these animals first started establishing a foothold sometime in the 1960s. Most of the population is believed to have started from escaped or released pets.
Whatever the reason, the iguanas are here, and a serious dent needs to be made in their numbers. The guy in this video finds a nifty way to do it, by using an airgun and a scope cam to take out numbers of these reptiles quickly and humanely.
The biggest reason for taking out iguanas is because these animals are destructive. Florida Fish and Game says the burrows they dig can undermine the stability of buildings and sidewalks. There is also the possibility of spreading Salmonella to unsuspecting humans in water. In a state filled with pools, you can quickly see where problems might arise.
That is why like Texas and feral hogs, Florida has loose laws and regulations regarding the take of green iguanas. As per the FWC: "Green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws and can be humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission.," the FWC's website reads. Basically, the state does not want residents to take or move these animals while alive.
Taking out an invasive species like this would be a good way to introduce someone younger to hunting. It gives them a chance to practice shot placement skills and movements that could be used on more traditional game animals in the future. To the gentleman in this video, fine shooting on those iguanas and keep up the good work!
For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels.
NEXT: THE SIG SAUER CROSS RIFLE FOLDS THE GAP BETWEEN TACTICAL, HUNTING PURPOSES
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