It's another day in Florida, as a Fort Myers Beach resident captures footage of a bobcat claiming a green iguana for dinner.
WINK News viewer Madge Maggio said she was placing trash into a compactor when she witnessed the feline predator holding the invasive reptile in its mouth.
Maggio’s amusement with the situation led her to briefly record the interaction, saying, “You’re good to eat him,” much to the dismay of the iguana.
Circle of Life: Florida bobcat claims iguana dinner
While entertaining to view, the bobcat is doing a service. As previously mentioned, the green iguana is an invasive species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
FWC says the non native species cause damage to residential and commercial landscape vegetation and are often considered a nuisance by property owners.
Iguanas are attracted to trees with foliage or flowers, most fruits (except citrus), and almost any vegetable.
Green iguanas may also leave droppings on docks, moored boats, seawalls, porches, decks, pool platforms, and swimming pools.
Locally, in late April, invasive iguanas were reportedly seen taking over an abandoned building in Cape Coral.
Cape Coral city officials reported that a city building inspector examined the building, noting that a brick façade had collapsed, but the structural wall remained intact.
If you encounter a green iguana on your property, they can be humanely killed as the reptile is not protected by Florida law.
If you have an iguana frequenting your area, you can take steps to deter the animal, such as modifying the habitat around your home or humanely harassing the animal.
Provided below are suggestions by FWC that may assist in removing or harassing a green iguana:
- Removing plants that act as attractants
- Filling in holes to discourage burrowing
- Hanging wind chimes or other items that make intermittent noises
- Hanging CDs that have reflective surfaces
- Spraying the animals with water as a deterrent