4 Ft Visitor.

So Major is hanging out in the sand between me and the water and right on the dock in front of us this giant adult  Iguana is catching some rays.  Alan grabs the camera and snaps few shots as we have never seen an Iguana this big.

 

 

 

Turns out its a "Green  Iguana."   This guy doesn't seem to get too excited when anyone gets close enough to take pictures.  He rarely shows the "dewlap" under its neck or hisses etc. Nevertheless, they do have sharp teeth, so we keep our distance.  If he feels bothered he just slides into the water and swims to a new spot.  Who knew Iguanas could swim??    

 

Green Iguanas are considered an invasive species in Southern Fl.  The originals came from stowaways on ships bringing  fruit from South America. Then others were introduced to the wild through the pet trade, some escaping, some being intentionally released by their owners.  They commonly hide in attics of houses (yikes) and on beaches.  They destroy gardens and landscaping.  

Hey at least its not a boa constrictor, which is another invasive species now increasingly found in the Everglades!