Iggy Standing Guard

St Thomas is littered with Iguanas.  Sometimes you can't spit without hitting one. They can be found anywhere from the Ritz Carlton to Charlotte Amalie to Magen's Bay Beach.  They are simply all over the place. 

The same goes for chickens but that's another story altogether. 

Once, I was driving down what we call kidney alley (unpaved and very rough road - since paved but we still call it kidney alley) I saw a dog running along the side of the road with an iguana in its mouth. The dog didn't seem like it was hurting the iguana.  He seemed to be transporting the critter from one place to the other. I looked like the dog was traveling to work with lunch hanging out of his mouth.   Poor iguana didn't look too happy. 

They are quite fierce looking creatures but most of the time they'll just run away in a huff if you approach. Sometimes though these ancient warriors will stare you down, hiss and try to slap you with their tail. 

The first time I ran into one of these recalcitrant iguanas was on the 15th hole at Mahogany Run golf course.  He was close to where my ball had stopped in the fairway. I know, I know  ... how often does my ball actually get in the fairway on a drive.  This time it was sitting smack in the middle.  I tried to shoo him away with my club be he wasn't moving.  The more I tried to get him out of the way the more he was determined to come after me. I ended up dropping my ball a few yards back getting "iguana relief" is apparently allowed.  Iggy won this time. 

They also seem to like to come out in the blazing sun at mid day to sun themselves and gather heat.  I wouldn't suggest feeding 'em.  If you feed 'em they just start to associate people with food and that isn't good at all. I don't mind observing these guys but I would rather not sit down to tea with them.  So ... Don't feed the iguanas please.  The next thing you know they might want your beer and that would be completely out of the question. 

Get your own copy of Iggy at RedBubble.com

---