How to Catch Escaped Green Iguanas

An escaped green iguana can pose a problem not just to the pet-owner who lost it, but to farmers, gardeners and native wildlife. Because iguanas are often very fast and not always tame, they can be tricky to recapture. They also have a habit of diving into nearby water when they are chased. However, if you take your time and have some basic equipment at hand, you should be able to recover the iguana without outside help.

Things You'll Need

  • Small pet/reptile carry case or large plastic box
  • Knife
  • Fresh fruit
  • Net
  • Live trap
  • Burlap sack
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the iguana's owner through word of mouth or by contacting a local reptile club. If you can't find the owner, contact the nearest animal sanctuary for further advice and somewhere to take the iguana.

    • 2

      Make several ¼-inch holes in the lid of the large plastic box, if you don't have a reptile carry case. Work from the underside of the lid to the top to avoid creating sharp edges that could injure the iguana.

    • 3

      Add some sliced fruits or vegetables to the box or carry case to provide moisture and sustenance while you transport the iguana to its owner or an animal sanctuary.

    • 4

      Put on work gloves. Iguanas can scratch and bite. They can also carry salmonella.

    • 5

      Wait until the iguana seems relatively still. Without letting your shadow fall on the animal, quickly put the net over it.

    • 6

      Hold the iguana's body firmly through the net and transfer it to the carry case or box.

    • 7

      Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid salmonella.

    • 8

      Set a live trap baited with fresh fruit, if you were not able to catch the iguana. Live traps are not ideal because iguanas can injure themselves trying to escape. Use a trap as a last resort. Cover the trap with a burlap sack to reduce the chances of the iguana hurting itself. Check it at least once a day.