Visual ID: Is it an iguana?

• Size: hatchlings 6–9 in; adults 3–5 ft nose to tail.
• Color: green to gray. Orange tones show in big males.
• Head: large scales on cheeks. A round white scale near the jaw.
• Dewlap: loose skin flap under the chin. Often flared while basking.
• Long tail with dark bands. Tail whips when threatened.
• Claws: long claws for climbing trees, docks, and riprap.

Tip: Iguanas bask in full sun. Look on seawalls, docks, and south-facing roofs in the morning.

Behavior you’ll see

• Dawn and mid-day basking on warm surfaces.
• Fast dash into water or shrubs when you approach.
• Tree sleeping at night. You may hear sudden drops in early morning.
• Head bobbing from males in spring and summer.

Cold snaps make them sluggish. You may see “cold-stunned” iguanas fall from trees.

Burrows (the big clue)

• Holes 3–6 in wide at the base of seawalls, slabs, and banks.
• Fresh dirt or sand “piles” at the entrance.
• Multiple tunnels on one property. Paths connect them.
• Voids under pavers. Edges start to dip or crack.

Act early. Burrows weaken seawalls, docks, and canal banks.

Droppings (what they leave)

• Dark pellets with a white cap (urates) on docks, patios, and pool decks.
• Clusters under favorite basking spots and tree limbs.
• Strong odor in hot weather. Slippery when wet.

Clean with care. Wash hands. Keep pets and kids away from fresh waste.

Tracks and tail drags

• Tail drag line between footprints in dusty or sandy areas.
• Claw marks on soft soil near water.
• Scuffed paths from burrow to sun spots.

Plant damage

• Leaves cut at clean angles. New shoots vanish first.
• Missing flowers and fruit. Ground litter of stems.
• Stripped hibiscus, bougainvillea, and veggie beds.

Waterfront signs

• Basking on seawall caps, dock beams, and boat lifts.
• Burrow mouths just above the waterline.
• Undercut soil behind the wall. Pavers sag near edges.

Roof and yard signs

• Scratching on roof at dawn. Sunbathing on hot shingles.
• Gutters packed with droppings near trees.
• Digging at fence lines and slab edges.

What to do now

• Do not feed wildlife. Remove fallen fruit and pet food.
• Note where you see burrows, waste, and basking spots.
• Keep pets away from burrows and droppings.
• Call for a humane plan before nesting ramps up.

Prevention that works

• Tree wraps on key trunks and dock pilings.
• L-shaped mesh along fence lines to block digging.
• Seawall and dock wrap barriers at climb points.
• Fill vacated burrows in daylight when empty.