safety
South Florida's iguana problem is growing again after winter freeze, residents say
By Joan Murray at CBS4 Miami
· June 9, 2026
· 2 min read
For 14 years, Hollywood resident Mary Alex says she's been battling an unwelcome guest: iguanas.The invasive reptiles have become such a persistent problem at her home that she says one even appeared in her toilet."They are nasty, ugly, I can't stand them," Alex said.She says the animals have destro
Key takeaway "They are nasty, ugly, I can't stand them," Alex said.
Why this matters in The Miami
The resurgence of iguanas in South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, poses a significant threat to residents' properties and quality of life. As the invasive species continues to breed and spread, homeowners in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood may face similar challenges to Mary Alex, with destroyed landscaping and potential structural damage to their homes. The fact that spiny-tailed iguanas, a more aggressive species, are being spotted in the area raises concerns about safety and the need for effective management strategies. With Miami's unique geography and vulnerability to flooding, the burrowing activities of iguanas could exacerbate existing infrastructure weaknesses, making it crucial for local governments to take proactive measures to address the issue. As the problem persists, residents will be watching to see if Miami-Dade County and the state will develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of these invasive creatures.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 9, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For 14 years, Hollywood resident Mary Alex says she's been battling an unwelcome guest: iguanas.The invasive reptiles have become such a persistent problem at her home that she says one even appeared in her toilet."They are nasty, ugly, I can't stand them," Alex said.She says the animals have destro
When was this published? This article was first published on June 9, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joan Murray at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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