Posted on 03/12/2018 7:31:07 AM PDT by Red Badger
Researchers are on a critical mission in the heart of Broward County — bashing in the brains of iguanas in an attempt to eliminate the reptiles that have overtaken South Florida.
A 15-member team from the University of Florida is using a tool called a captive bolt gun that sends a bolt into the brain, similar to what is used in the livestock industry. They’re also smashing the creatures’ heads against solid objects, including a truck and boat they’re using to track them down.
“Most of what we’re doing is blunt force trauma,” said Jenny Ketterlin, a wildlife biologist and research coordinator with UF. “Hitting their head very hard against a solid object.”
Destroying their brains quickly is the most humane way to kill them, she said. Decapitating the animals without anesthesia would kill them but not be considered humane.
Their work is part of a $63,000 research project, contracted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, designed to find the best way to remove iguanas and then offer tips to homeowners on how to purge the pests from their yards.
“Iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and can be a nuisance to homeowners or impact native wildlife,” said Carli Segelson, a wildlife agency spokeswoman. “Iguanas can feed on native plants and wildlife and dig into areas that may cause erosion.”
(Excerpt) Read more at sun-sentinel.com ...
We should try it with politicians.
A well managed spay and neuter program for pols should work.
If not, then your program should be implemented.
“I see a new reality TV show here...
Suggested titles:
Blunt Force Trauma
The Reptile Hunters
My New Iguana Skin Boots...”
With theme music by The Iguanas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMz4YwO5PfU
I tried killing one with a pellet rifle, put 7 in his head while it was in my live trap. Finally had to use a shovel to beat it to death......
After that fiasco, I started taking them about 10 miles away and just letting them go......
Well played!
Flavor much like chicken, with a crab-like texture...
Good in tacos with the usual accompaniments...
State of Florida could save the taxpayers some $ and just inform Bubba and his pals there’s “no limit”..Pythons, too...
I guess I’m weird. I like possums. We have them and when they’re walking the fence I go out and talk to them. Lol
Porcupines take baseball bat or 2x4 to the nose to kill them.
Mine was a 22. From his thrashing I gathered it was a brain shot. The first one hit him in the ass and that’s what spewed the blood. Blood and shit everywhere. Damn nasty animals.
I did the same thing. It was a horrific mess. Would not do it again. Plus, It really stunk.
Quick! Some needs to call PETA!
This method of dispatch is so cruel!
Someone....trying to teach my iguana
to type...
Great minds....
My daughter-in-law raised 7 baby possums after someone found them still on the mama after a car hit her. They were bottle-fed ever few hours until they could drink from a bowl. One was missing a leg. LOL. The family lives in the country and possums eat snakes, so they ARE useful.
Blunt Force Night of the Iguana
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