One of the cool things about wintering in Puerto Rico is the occasional interaction with an iguana. Unfortunately, such experiences are occurring infrequently these days. Iguanas are native to Central and South America, but arrived on this island as pets, during the 1970s. Released into the wild, there are 4 million of the ugly, green buggers in Puerto Rico, wreaking havoc upon mangroves, road beds, and airport schedules. While visitors enjoy iguanas, the government has been searching frantically for an economically feasible solution to the rapidly reproducing reptiles. One presented itself, thanks to the island’s unfortunate orphaned dog population–roaming dogs love to catch and eat iguanas. Soon, it was apparent that people found the meat tasty, too. As we speak, a plan is in the works to capture, kill, process, and export millions of iguanas. Apparently, people in the States and central America are willing to pay up to $6 per pound for iguana meat. I hope they don’t catch my golf partner, Arnie, who joined me during a round at my beloved Punta Borinquen golf club (—->).
Where have all the Iguanas gone . . .?
One of the cool things about wintering in Puerto Rico is the occasional interaction with an iguana. Unfortunately, such experiences are occurring infrequently these days. Iguanas are native to Central and South America, but arrived on this island as pets, during the 1970s. Released into the wild, there are 4 million of the ugly, green buggers in Puerto Rico, wreaking havoc upon mangroves, road beds, and airport schedules. While visitors enjoy iguanas, the government has been searching frantically for an economically feasible solution to the rapidly reproducing reptiles. One presented itself, thanks to the island’s unfortunate orphaned dog population–roaming dogs love to catch and eat iguanas. Soon, it was apparent that people found the meat tasty, too. As we speak, a plan is in the works to capture, kill, process, and export millions of iguanas. Apparently, people in the States and central America are willing to pay up to $6 per pound for iguana meat. I hope they don’t catch my golf partner, Arnie, who joined me during a round at my beloved Punta Borinquen golf club (—->).
I hope you tried the iguanas meat yourself. If yes, how did you find it? Wild meat in general are teasty. Enjoy it.
They don’t sell it around here, Ali. However, even if they did, I like iguanas too much to contribute to their demise.
Years ago, I stepped in cow dung…as a result, I’ve never forgiven them. : < )
OMG, Next they’ll be eating Frogs Legs——–ooops, wait a minute, ‘they’ already are!!