Thirteen live iguanas, their feet bound with zip ties, were discovered in the back of a man's truck during a traffic stop in central Florida early Thursday morning, according to reports.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers pulled over 32-year-old Rendon Casildo-Acdiel in Winter Haven, about 50 miles east of Tampa, for a missing license plate light on his trailer. During a search, they found the iguanas and five containers of iced tilapia.
Casildo-Acdiel told troopers he was visiting Florida to collect coconuts from Miami and fish from Polk County before returning to North Carolina. He was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license. It remains unclear if he will face additional charges related to the reptiles.
Iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires a permit to possess live captured green iguanas for eradication or control purposes, as well as for keeping them as pets.
The iguanas were taken to a local shelter after the discovery. The Independent has contacted the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for comment.
