Fed-up resident fights back against invasive iguanas using special rifle: 'I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem'
An admirer of the owl family that found shelter and nesting in the burrow hole next door, John Johnson was perturbed when he saw an iguana climbing out of the very same owl hole while the owl parents "were screeching and divebombing it," per a Palm Beach Post report.
Divebombing is a defensive behavior owls may exhibit when defending their nest or young, according to Seven Days. This could only mean one thing for the parents: Their eggs or baby owls were in danger.
The owl family put up a tough fight against their intruder, but the deed had already been done. The owls eventually surrendered their nest and fled to find a new home.
This incident fueled a fire within Johnson, who learned that iguanas had no natural predators on Marco Island, Florida.
In fact, black spiny-tailed iguanas and green iguanas are persistent invasive species in the region. Female iguanas can lay up to 70 eggs every year, according to Focusing on Wildlife, which contributes to their rapid growth on the island.
Iguanas tear up native plants and eat the eggs of gopher tortoises — one of the oldest living species on the planet, currently with a threatened or endangered conservation status.
Black spiny-tailed iguanas will "eat almost anything they can get in their mouths," said Dr. Jerry Jackson, professor emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University, per Palm Beach Post.
So, Johnson created Down Goes Iguana, a family-run agency dedicated to hunting down iguanas in Florida, with a heavy concentration on the Marco Island region. He began operating with the blessing of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Using air guns like the .25 caliber Brocock Sniper XR, a short air rifle used for small game hunting or target practice, Johnson hunts down iguanas for both customers and the state, taking down a total of 730 iguanas in 2024.
While Johnson recognizes that he may not be able to eliminate the invasive species from the island, he's making a valiant effort.
Should we be actively working to kill invasive species?
Absolutely
It depends on the species
I don't know
No — leave nature alone
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems, threatening native wildlife species and their habitats.
Invasive plant species operate similarly, taking over land from native plant species and outcompeting the latter for nutrients and resources. Invasive species grow quickly and aggressively and can pose a great headache for homeowners looking to eliminate them from their lawns.
You can limit the spread of invasive plant species in your lawn by planting more native plants to support the local ecosystem's balance. Native plant lawns attract pollinators, whose pollination services protect the food supply and provide food and shelter for local wildlife species.
The best part is that native lawns are slower-growing and tend to require less water than lawns containing invasive plant species, saving you time and money on lawn maintenance and water bills.
Buffalo grass and clover — both drought-resistant lawn options that require less frequent mowing — are alternative lawn replacement options that can save you time and money on yard work.
Invasive species may be persistent, but not if humans can help it.
"I'm … vested in the fact that this is not good and I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem," Johnson said, per Palm Beach Post.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Moose Kerr students graduating into new beginnings
The Class of 2025 from Moose Kerr School in Aklavik left their high school days behind them in fine style during this years' graduation ceremony. Janine Johnson, the school's principal, said the gymnasium was well-decorated with a country and western theme to greet attendees of the event. 'We had it really beautifully decorated. And some of the kids came with their cowboy boots on, and their family members with their cowboy hats on. So it was a really nice, fun theme,' Johnson said. Seven Grade 12 students - walked across the stage this year to accept their diplomas she said, adding that it was a nice size for a graduating class in the close-knit community. The graduating guests of honour included Erwin Elias, Loretta Koe, Coby Elanik, Edyn Arey, Jordan Archie, Talina Storr, and Jesse Irish. Awards presented Johnson said this years' class valedictorian was Edyn Arey, who also received the Governor General's award. 'And we have a new award that we created this year, a really beautiful award called the Philip Elanik Memorial Award. 'Philip Elanik was a community member who was a beautiful drum dancer, and he died of cancer, but he actually saved his children in a house fire. So the award was created in memory of him, and it shows courage, resilience, and a real love of their Inuvialuit culture.' Johnson said that award was presented to Jordan Archie along with a $500. grant which was just recently donated by a relative of Arnold J. (Moose) Kerr who lives in Toronto. Two other students, Talena Storr and Jesse Irish, each won a Leadership award - a $500. grant from the Hockey Hall of Fame, she said, adding that they were two of 25 grants provided to students from across the North. For Jesse, Johnson said he has been instrumental in volunteering with the junior kindergarten class 'and they love him.' 'He's been with them for three or four years, and he creates these beautiful creatures out of pipe cleaners. And you know, he shares that with them. And he comes to school every single day. He never misses a day. He's a very diligent student.' One of the students, Talena, volunteers as an official at regional sports events, she noted. 'She loves sports, but she has a really great relationship with the elders in her life. And, you know, she's very respectful of them. 'So they kind of won each of those grants based on those qualities.' Johnson said the school has worked closely with the Hockey Hall of Fame organization over the year. 'They provide live virtual sessions that we sign up for if we want to, but kids do traditional things, like, they make beaded earrings and all kinds of amazing things, like birch bark baskets and stuff, and so they've been a really good partner with us.' 'They also offer a digital scholarship for kids. So I wrote probably about 15 letters for kids to get them a MacBook Pro, and they all were approved for that. 'So each of the kids got this beautiful MacBook Pro computer laptop, and they sent them here, and we presented them,' she said. Moral support Graduation is a significant event in the school of 120 pupils, and Grade 12 students will become role models for the younger grades, Johnson said. 'Each of our classrooms in the school adopted a grad. And a couple of times throughout the year, they might post something on their locker, or they might post a big picture on their wall near their high school classroom, saying, 'Hang in there. Loretta, your graduation is coming up. We're proud of you.' 'So the good thing about a small school and a small class is that everybody in the school knows them, and they really become like role models for the little kids. And they look at them and they say, 'I can't wait until I graduate. I know I can.' 'And I heard some of the little ones in Grade 4 and 5 talking about when they get there. So in that way, its real nice.' Many paths to success 'We're really proud of those kids too, right? Especially, you know, the kids who are in it for the long haul, it's not always easy for them. And they really show some resilience. Some have come back after years of being away. And we've got some kids graduating at 18 and 19, and we have one that was 21, so everybody's path is different.' Johnson said community support is key to ensuring a memorable graduation ceremony and both staff and community organizations help raise the necessary funds for the big celebration. 'Everybody steps up, so they shut down the offices, local offices, and everybody comes and attends. It's a really nice time for the community, and everybody celebrates in the success of these young people, And we've got a big gym, and we kind of go all out with graduation. And we had a community feast, and so we had beautiful night,' she added. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Fed-up resident fights back against invasive iguanas using special rifle: 'I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem'
An admirer of the owl family that found shelter and nesting in the burrow hole next door, John Johnson was perturbed when he saw an iguana climbing out of the very same owl hole while the owl parents "were screeching and divebombing it," per a Palm Beach Post report. Divebombing is a defensive behavior owls may exhibit when defending their nest or young, according to Seven Days. This could only mean one thing for the parents: Their eggs or baby owls were in danger. The owl family put up a tough fight against their intruder, but the deed had already been done. The owls eventually surrendered their nest and fled to find a new home. This incident fueled a fire within Johnson, who learned that iguanas had no natural predators on Marco Island, Florida. In fact, black spiny-tailed iguanas and green iguanas are persistent invasive species in the region. Female iguanas can lay up to 70 eggs every year, according to Focusing on Wildlife, which contributes to their rapid growth on the island. Iguanas tear up native plants and eat the eggs of gopher tortoises — one of the oldest living species on the planet, currently with a threatened or endangered conservation status. Black spiny-tailed iguanas will "eat almost anything they can get in their mouths," said Dr. Jerry Jackson, professor emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University, per Palm Beach Post. So, Johnson created Down Goes Iguana, a family-run agency dedicated to hunting down iguanas in Florida, with a heavy concentration on the Marco Island region. He began operating with the blessing of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Using air guns like the .25 caliber Brocock Sniper XR, a short air rifle used for small game hunting or target practice, Johnson hunts down iguanas for both customers and the state, taking down a total of 730 iguanas in 2024. While Johnson recognizes that he may not be able to eliminate the invasive species from the island, he's making a valiant effort. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems, threatening native wildlife species and their habitats. Invasive plant species operate similarly, taking over land from native plant species and outcompeting the latter for nutrients and resources. Invasive species grow quickly and aggressively and can pose a great headache for homeowners looking to eliminate them from their lawns. You can limit the spread of invasive plant species in your lawn by planting more native plants to support the local ecosystem's balance. Native plant lawns attract pollinators, whose pollination services protect the food supply and provide food and shelter for local wildlife species. The best part is that native lawns are slower-growing and tend to require less water than lawns containing invasive plant species, saving you time and money on lawn maintenance and water bills. Buffalo grass and clover — both drought-resistant lawn options that require less frequent mowing — are alternative lawn replacement options that can save you time and money on yard work. Invasive species may be persistent, but not if humans can help it. "I'm … vested in the fact that this is not good and I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem," Johnson said, per Palm Beach Post. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Cold War fighter jet fired up after 18 years
A Cold War fighter jet, which spent the majority of its service at RAF Binbrook, has been fired up for the first time in 18 years. Lightning XR724, was designed to intercept Soviet bombers and first flew on 10 February 1965. The aircraft, which was retired in 1991, has been undergoing a five-year restoration project at the site near Market Rasen. Chief engineer Chris Johnson, who was in the cockpit when the 60-year-old plane was started, said: "Getting this old lady running again after so long being idle is going to feel great." Mr Johnson said his team is hoping to fix the aircraft's top engine by the end of 2026. The next public run of the engine is due to be carried out an open day on 6 September. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Fighter jet on display after 'exciting' restoration Cold War jet's future safe after hangar success The Lightning Association
