Iguanapocalypse

 

So, the state of Florida, in an apparent moment of weakness, is (get this) allowing it's citizens to collect frozen iguanas from their own property. Allowing? Seriously? They actually say it with a straight face: you need their permission. To me, this seems more absurd than the fact that there are iguanas falling from the trees. At least there is some kind of science behind that.

The rationale given is that these are an invasive species, thereby placing this under the jurisdiction of the state game commission. It seems a rather thin justification in my book, but I guess we're allowing them to assert this authority. Anytime that one grants authority to the state over any matter, it very quickly becomes the proverbial slippery slope. While this may appear to be a fairly benign case, the slippery slope is no less valid as a concern.

As the video from local television reports, the state has established official collection sites for citizens to bring their iguanacicles. This comes complete with a ready set of guidelines for the proper transport and handling of the frozen reptiles. If nothing else, the Florida game commission gets an A for contingency planning. I guess that the state utilizing citizens as some sort of informal deputies, to assist in the performance of what are state duties, is not unprecedented. Traditionally there would be some sort of "bounty" entailed in this arrangement. There does not appear to be any such bounty forthcoming from the state of Florida. Floridians can be thankful that the state has not imposed some sort of disposal fee for their efforts. Yet.

This operation is not wholly without merit. I can think of another invasive species, in a different state. One might think that, given the part of the world that it comes from, this invasive species would be similarly afflicted by colder temperatures. Alas, sadly, this is not true. Just the same, I think that Governor DeSantis and Governor Walz should get together to develop a plan for citizen action in Minnesota to deal with their invasive species problem. There would definitely need to be a bounty set. Nobody is going to want to get that shit all over their car for nothing.