Local Chefs Slay Some Monster Iguanas And Cook Them Up

Iguana Removal on the Florida Canals: Fun, Food, and Conservation

Florida’s natural beauty faces a threat from invasive iguanas. These destructive reptiles wreak havoc on native plant life and disrupt the delicate ecological balance. Today, I’m taking you on an iguana removal expedition on the canals, where we combine fun with conservation efforts.

A Culinary Challenge: The Florida Canal Challenge

Joining me are a team of skilled hunters and a pack of well-trained dogs. Our mission is twofold: to remove invasive iguanas and to provide a unique culinary experience for a group of visiting chefs. These chefs, led by Rick, the owner of Tropical Smokehouse, are here to participate in the “Florida Canal Challenge.” The challenge involves tasting a raw iguana egg – a true test of adventurous spirits!

Respectful Removal and Teamwork

Humanely removing iguanas is a priority. Our dogs, particularly Otto, are invaluable assets. They excel at finding and retrieving iguanas from dense vegetation and tricky terrain. When a shot is needed, we ensure it’s precise to minimize suffering. Auto, another skilled canine member of the team, retrieves the iguanas from the water, ensuring a clean and efficient operation.

The Importance of Responsible Management

Unfortunately, not everyone approaches iguana removal responsibly. This can lead to injured animals and irresponsible disposal of carcasses. We believe in a professional and sustainable approach, and that’s why many city departments hire us for iguana removal.

A Controversial Issue: Balancing Public Safety and Conservation

The issue of iguana removal is complex. The City of Margate recently made it illegal to kill iguanas within city limits – a decision I strongly disagree with. This approach allows these invasive species to multiply unchecked, further damaging the environment. A better solution would involve a partnership between professional removal teams and city officials, prioritizing humane and responsible eradication methods.

A Delicious Conclusion: From Canal Dragons to Tree Chicken

After a successful day of removing iguanas, it’s time for the culinary highlight – Rick, the mastermind behind Tropical Smokehouse, transforms the “canal dragons” into a mouthwatering dish he calls “Tree Chicken.” The dish features the iguana meat cooked in a rich and flavorful mole sauce, served with tortillas and fresh garnishes. The verdict? A resounding success!

Join the Adventure!

If you’re interested in joining me on an iguana hunting adventure, or any other wildlife management experience, feel free to contact me! We offer a variety of options, tailored to your preferences. Visit the store to learn more about our custom leather products.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! See you on the next adventure!

Trapper Mike

Trapper Mike

Born and raised in Florida, Mike has been fascinated with reptiles since he was a kid. For over a decade, Mike's been trapping and removing invasive species from Florida's wild lands with a focus on pythons, iguanas, and other reptiles.