View the Homeowner's Guide to Exotic Reptiles FAQ's

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana

City of Cape Coral / Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Within the last few years, exotic reptiles including iguanas, monitors and pythons have been observed in Sarasota County. These exotic and invasive reptiles have the potential to harm our native habitats and wildlife species as well as being a public nuisance.

In order to obtain a better understanding of the extent of the problem, Sarasota County is currently seeking assistance from residents in reporting new exotic reptile sightings. This information is used to better map and identify opportunities to control the spread of exotic and invasive reptiles. Some of the exotic reptiles reported and identified within Sarasota County are listed below.

How did they get here?
The origin of exotic reptiles in Florida has been primarily through the escape or illegal release of pets. Once free, some exotic species thrive in our Florida environment and compete with our native animal species for food and habitat.

• It is illegal to release any non-native animal in the State of Florida (68-5.001 Florida Administrative Code).

• Non-native animals are not protected in the State of Florida, except by anti-cruelty laws.

• The State of Florida authorizes property owners to eradicate humanely exotic animal species from their property without a permit.

Iguanas are frequently observed with confirmed sightings in Sarasota County mainly on the barrier islands. Adults may reach four feet in length, are green to brown in color, and have a row of spikes down their back. Iguanas are agile climbers and swimmers. They feed on leaves, flowers and fruit but do not eat citrus. This includes landscape plants, orchids, impatiens, roses, garden greens, squashes, berries, figs, mangos, tomatoes, and many other flowers.
 

Found in Sarasota County / Adult Black Spiny Tail Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)		Juvenile Black Spiny Tail Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)

• Protect valuable plants with cages or screen enclosures, and avoid planting species that are preferred food for iguanas.

• Adults also consume animal material on a limited basis such as insects, lizards and other small animals, nestling birds and eggs.

• Iguanas are active during the day and bask in open areas; sidewalks, docks, seawalls, or open mowed areas. When disturbed they will dive into the water or retreat to a burrow.

  • Adults can bite and cause severe scratch wounds with their extremely sharp claws and tail spines. Iguanas will normally avoid people but will defend themselves against pets and people that try to catch or corner them.

Monitor lizards have been less frequently reported with few confirmed sightings throughout Sarasota County. The average adult size for a Nile monitor is 4-5 feet in length. They have a black body with yellow spots and a forked tongue.

The Nile Monitor is an excellent climber and swimmer and easily digs underground burrows. Diet includes eggs (including sea turtle and gopher tortoise eggs) and preys upon birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, snakes, fish and crabs. Monitors are active during the day and can be found in similar areas described as iguanas above.

Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), a State Reptile of Concern (ROC)		Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), a State Reptile of Concern (ROC)

Monitors can bite with their sharp teeth and cause severe scratch wounds with their extremely sharp claws. Like iguanas, they will normally avoid people but will defend themselves against pets and people that try to catch or corner them.

Burmese Python (Python molorus bivittatus)

Pythons have been rarely reported with few confirmed sightings mainly within the eastern portion of Sarasota County. Pythons are large constrictors (meaning they often squeeze their prey prior to consuming) that may reach lengths of 20 feet or more. Prey includes mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and fish. Pythons are active during the day and will bask in the sun, including roadways. If you see, a python do not attempt to engage it. Report any sightings immediately to the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.

Why be concerned?
Exotic reptiles do not belong in the Florida landscape. These and other invasive exotic species disrupt Florida’s natural systems and impact our local environment and economy. For example, they pose a serious threat to protected species like the Gopher tortoise (often taking over their burrows), the Florida Scrub-jay, and sea turtles (eggs and hatchlings). These exotic reptiles not only have the potential to harm local wildlife and change the landscape of our beaches and parks, but they also have the potential to affect tourism through damage to the beauty of our natural areas.
 

Burmese Python (Python molorus bivittatus)

Our community must develop and implement a plan to manage exotic animal species in order to protect native habitats, plants and animals and to prevent a public nuisance. These efforts include the control of invasive lizard populations on publicly owned lands.

What should I do if I see an exotic reptile?
If you see an exotic reptile, call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 to report it.

If the animal is on your private property and is contained, Animal Services will come and pick it up. If the animal is on your private property and not contained, the use of a licensed wildlife trapper is recommended.

Any observations of exotic reptiles on public lands should be reported to the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.

For more information on exotic reptiles, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-4676 or visit www.myfwc.com.

Resources

  Non-native Species Information

 Non-native Reptiles Information

  New College/Base camp

  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

  United States Geological Survey (USGS)

University of Florida

 Dealing with Iguanas in the South Florida Landscape (UF IFAS Extension)

  Wildlife Trappers Removing Exotic Reptiles List