Iguana tacos? Viral South Florida recipe with an environmental purpose

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

While thousands of invasive cold-stunned iguanas were turned in to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offices during the cold snap, others are taking a more unconventional approach. One South Florida content creator’s iguana tacos are racking up millions of views online.

Gray Davis has attracted more than 13 million views across his social media platforms.

“Rather than let this one go to waste, we’re going to make tacos,” Davis says in his video, which shows him preparing the reptile step‑by‑step.

Davis admits the reaction has been a mix of fascination and disbelief.

“It’s definitely been polarizing,” he said. “Some people appreciate what I’m doing … others say, 'Absolutely not. You’re out of your mind.'”

According to Davis, iguana meat is surprisingly familiar to the palate. “It’s pretty similar to chicken,” he said. “In their native range, they’re actually considered a delicacy and used in traditional dishes.”

And he does not stop with the meat. Even the iguana eggs end up on his plate, mashed into his own version of sauce or guacamole.

“I try to use every single part of the animal,” Davis said. “Nothing goes to waste.”

The food itself is not the point. His mission is focused on Florida’s invasive species and how residents can help protect the local environment.

“With food insecurity … if you’re going to end something’s life, you’ve got to use every part of it,” he said.

This is not Davis’ first unconventional recipe, either. He once caught a Burmese python, another destructive invasive species, and used it for five different dishes and crafted the snake’s skin into a pair of shoes.

“We’re just trying to reduce waste and encourage people to take out invasive species … and turn a negative for the environment into a positive,” he said.

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