We Caught 37 Iguanas in One Day- Here's Why They're Such a Problem in Florida

The Saturday started like many of our South Florida iguana hunts. The weather was beautiful, the canals were calm, and within minutes of arriving at our first location, we spotted several large green iguanas basking in the morning sun.

By the end of the day, our group had removed 37 iguanas.

For many people, that number sounds unbelievable. How can there be that many iguanas in one area? The answer is simple: Florida has an invasive iguana problem, and it's much bigger than most people realize.

A Morning Full of Iguanas

We left the dock a little after 10 AM, and we began spotting iguanas almost immediately. We spotted a few perched high in trees overlooking the water, and others were stretched out along canal banks, soaking up the morning heat.

Throughout the day, we moved between several locations and continued seeing more and more iguanas. Every time we thought the area had been cleared, another group would emerge from nearby vegetation. This wasn't a remote jungle. It was a typical South Florida environment made up of canals, residential areas, parks, and green spaces.

Seeing dozens of iguanas in a single day has become increasingly common throughout South Florida.

Iguanas are hard to spot in the trees, but once they're knocked out into the water, our iguana hunting dog loves the chase!

See photos from this hunt in our Gallery.

Why Are There So Many Iguanas in Florida?

Green iguanas are not native to Florida. They were originally introduced through the exotic pet trade and established wild breeding populations decades ago. Since then, their numbers have exploded throughout South Florida.

Unlike many native species, iguanas thrive in urban and suburban environments. They have abundant food sources, warm temperatures year-round, and relatively few natural predators. The result is a rapidly growing population that continues spreading into new areas every year.

The Damage Iguanas Cause

Many people see iguanas and assume they're harmless because they primarily eat plants.

Unfortunately, the reality is much different.

Large populations of invasive iguanas can cause significant damage by:

• Destroying landscaping and gardens

• Feeding on ornamental plants

• Digging extensive burrows along canal banks

• Weakening seawalls and retention ponds

• Damaging sidewalks and infrastructure

• Competing with native wildlife for habitat

Some burrows can extend several feet underground, creating erosion problems and increasing the risk of structural damage near waterways.

This is one of the main reasons Florida encourages the removal of invasive iguanas.

Read more about the green iguana here.

Why Florida Iguana Hunting Helps Control Invasive Species

Many people are surprised to learn that iguana hunting is more than just an outdoor adventure.

Every invasive iguana removed helps reduce pressure on local ecosystems and infrastructure.

While no single hunt will solve Florida's iguana problem, responsible removal efforts play an important role in managing populations and limiting future damage.

This mission is one of the reasons our team is passionate about what we do.

Learn more about Our Mission and our commitment to helping protect Florida's native ecosystems here.

What Is a Guided Florida Iguana Hunt Like?

Most first-time guests arrive expecting a slow-paced wildlife outing. Within the first few minutes, they realize it's anything but.

Many hunters compare their first iguana hunt to a real-life video game. One moment you're scanning canal banks and tree lines, and the next you're spotting multiple iguanas scattered across the landscape. As soon as they're detected, the action begins.

Iguanas rarely sit still for long. They'll sprint across the ground, race up trees, dive into canals, and disappear into thick vegetation if given the chance. Successful hunters must stay alert, move quickly, and be ready when opportunities appear.

It's not unusual to encounter dozens of iguanas during a single trip, creating a fast-paced experience with frequent shooting opportunities throughout the day.

One of the highlights for many guests is watching our retrieval dog go to work. After an iguana is stunned, the dog springs into action, tracking, chasing, and retrieving animals from areas that would otherwise be difficult to access. Seeing the dog work is often just as memorable as the hunt itself.

Between the constant spotting, quick shots, moving targets, and teamwork between hunters, guides, and retrieval dog, every hunt feels different. Some days are steady and methodical. Other days are nonstop action from the moment the first iguana is spotted until the last one is recovered.

If you're looking for a unique Florida outdoor adventure that's active, challenging, and packed with excitement, iguana hunting delivers an experience unlike anything else.

The Future of Iguanas in South Florida

Based on what we see every week, Florida's iguana population isn't going away anytime soon.

As long as warm temperatures and favorable habitat remain available, these invasive reptiles will continue reproducing and expanding their range.

That's why education, awareness, and responsible population management remain so important.

After a day like this- 37 iguanas removed from a handful of locations- it's easy to understand why Florida considers them one of the state's most problematic invasive species.

Book Your Own Florida Iguana Hunting Adventure

Whether you're interested in helping remove invasive species, experiencing a unique outdoor adventure, or simply spending a day exploring South Florida's waterways, an iguana hunt offers an experience unlike anything else.

If you'd like to see the impact for yourself, check out our photo gallery and learn more about our guided Florida iguana hunting trips. Ready to book a Florida iguana hunt for yourself? You can book now on our website, floridaoutdoorscompany.com. 

We'd love to have you join us on the next adventure!