🦎 Lizard Life: Florida Edition
Wildlife comes in all shapes and sizes, but Florida’s scaly resident lizards have a special talent for showing up exactly when you least expect them.
🦎 Iguanas: My First Encounter
The very first green iguana I ever saw outside of a PBS nature special was strolling down Duval Street like it owned the place. It was wearing a tiny harness, attached to a human with big rasta hair and an even bigger vibe. I couldn’t tell who was walking whom, and I was far too shy to ask questions. I didn’t even take a picture — a tragedy, considering how gloriously photo‑worthy the moment was.
The next time, I redeemed myself. I was on an airboat returning from an Everglades tour when I spotted the biggest iguana I’d ever seen perched in the bushes along the channel. He had an orange frill and the attitude of someone who absolutely knew he was magnificent. I got a photo as we glided past, and it remains one of my favorite “Florida wildlife being dramatic” memories.
🦎 Anoles: Tiny Speed Demons
Back at the condo, the local residents were anoles — tiny green and brown lizards that zipped around like they were late for a meeting. They were adorable, lightning‑fast, and endlessly entertaining. The locals didn’t seem impressed, but I loved watching them skitter across the patio like miniature athletes.
🦎 Iguanas Everywhere: Key Largo Edition
Several years later, I returned to Florida and headed for Key Largo. That’s where I truly met
the iguana population — and wow, did they make an impression.
I spent most of my beach time at Pennekamp Park. The sand was fine, but the water footing was pure coral punishment. Lining the beach were trees, picnic tables, and iguanas. Big ones, small ones, green ones, orange ones — a whole rainbow of reptiles just living their best lives.
No one seemed to pay them any mind, but if you weren’t careful, they’d absolutely steal your lunch. Florida wildlife doesn’t play.
🐊 Other Scaly Things: Alligators
Of course, the biggest lizards in the area weren’t iguanas at all — they were alligators. Signs everywhere warned visitors not to swim with them, but the park still had a roped‑off swimming area, and plenty of people went in and out of the water like it was no big deal.
I even braved it myself to test out my new snorkeling gear. I never saw an alligator there… although I did see one while swimming with manatees. We didn’t realize it was lurking nearby until we were safely back on the boat. Since I prefer returning from vacations with all body parts intact, I’m very glad I didn’t know about that gator while I was still in the water.
🦎 Final Thoughts
I’ve heard iguanas make good pets — and I guess that’s true, considering the one I saw on a leash. But personally, I prefer the soft, furry kind of animal. Still, it’s always a thrill to see these scaly characters in the wild and learn a little more about their world.
