Iguanas are not native to Florida, but experts said the creatures' population has exploded since they were introduced here several years ago.

"Iguanas, 10, 20 years ago, were introduced because the climate is similar to (their) natural climate, from the tropics of Mexico to South America. They have exploded in population. These animals have become so prolific they are commonly found anywhere throughout South Florida, where they are becoming destructive," Metrozoo ambassador Ron Magill said.

Images: Iguana Population Explosion Causes Problems

Mike Maunder, director of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, said iguanas pose a threat to plant species close to extinction.

"In one species, there are less than 20 plants left in the wild. That is as close to extinction as you want to get. We can't plant it out because the iguanas will eat it. We have to keep (the plants) away from public display and locked up in the greenhouses, where we can protect the vulnerable plants against iguanas," Maunder said.

Valerie Cassidy, of the Gardens at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, said part of the reason the iguanas pose a problem in the gardens is that people have them as pets and then release them. Cassidy said there are "thousands" of iguanas in Crandon Park, and that they "eat everything in sight."

"It's very expensive to put these trees in and then the iguanas sit in the tree and just eat it all," Cassidy said.

Cassidy said the State of Florida helps control the iguanas by having licensed catchers who remove the small iguanas. Cassidy said this stops the population.

George Ward, a Nuisance Wildlife Specialist, said his crew tries to locate as many species of reptiles and amphibians as possible. He then loads the small iguanas into a bucket.

"We try to do that with as much caution, without hurting the animal, as possible, and (we find) extremely gorgeous specimens," Ward said.

Ward said that people who see a cute, juvenile iguana at a pet store should "take a second look" before buying them -- iguanas can grow to be as large as the 20-pound specimens Ward corrals in the wild.

"This is what they turn into. If you don't want to keep this and house this and take care of it for the rest of his life, which could be lengthy, don't get them," Ward said.