Have you ever been camping and then suddenly, without warning, the power goes out? We know this feeling too well. But what could cause such a service disruption? Have you ever suspected that your beloved iguana might be the one to blame? Believe it or not, while they don’t always get around as cats and dogs do, iguanas can be responsible for power outages!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how exactly an iguana can cause a power outage and why the safekeeping of our four-legged friends is so important. Keep reading to find out more!
How do iguanas cause power outages?
Iguanas may seem small and harmless, but they can have a large impact on the power grid! When iguanas climb power poles and come into contact with transformers or other electrical equipment, the short circuit their bodies create can cause outages.
In South Florida, iguana infestations around power poles have caused outages that disrupt homes and businesses. The number of these outages has been steadily increasing in recent years as the population of iguanas grows in size due to a lack of natural predators.
By taking steps to reduce the number of iguanas near power poles, such as removing nesting sites, we can help reduce the risk of future outages caused by these unexpected reptilian intruders.
What animal causes the most power outages?
While modern life can seem far removed from nature, the truth is that animals can still cause unexpected power outages. In fact, in many regions of the United States, birds top the list of animal power outage causes.
Whether they’re nesting on electrical equipment or simply flying into a power line, birds are responsible for a surprising amount of total outages. Some areas allow for preventive maintenance such as trimming trees away from lines to discourage birds from roosting there, but in heavier wooded areas this is not always feasible.
For that reason and more, bird-related outages continue to be one of the leading causes of power disruptions nationwide.
Did an iguana cause a power outage in South Florida?
Reports of a strange cause of a power outage in South Florida had some people scratching their heads. Could it be true that an iguana caused a blackout?
The answer is yes! It appears that an overzealous iguana climbed onto a transformer to take some much-needed sun and ended up electrocuting itself, disrupting electricity to over 2,000 homes.
Power was restored within hours but the unfortunate creature did not survive. As an interesting footnote, it seems that iguanas have been causing power outages in the area since at least 2012.
Perhaps these creatures are attracted to transformers as they offer access to warmth and views of the surrounding area. Whatever the reason may be, it’s best to always keep safety in mind when dealing with any type of electricity near wildlife.
How did the rogue iguana cause a widespread power outage in Lake Worth Beach?
In early 2018, Lake Worth Beach, Florida experienced a large-scale power outage after an iguana climbed onto a substation transformer and short-circuited the electrical grid.
The rogue reptile had followed a path of jaguarondis, or jungle cats, to the substation before making contact with the equipment and causing a minor explosion. Though no one was injured in the incident, hundreds of customers were without power for six hours while technicians worked to restore electricity services.
Fortunately for the iguana, it appeared unscathed from its brush with death and was later released into nearby Lake Osborne. It is unknown whether or not this was the same iguana responsible for starting a small grassfire near Ft. Pierce Beach days earlier.
What is the environmental impact of iguanas?
The environmental impact of iguanas is significant and difficult to ignore. Native to Central and South America, iguanas have become feral animals in places like the Florida Keys and Hawaii.
As they compete with native species for food and habitat, they can have a deleterious effect on wildlife diversity. Numerous studies have shown that where invasive iguana populations have become established, there has been an alarming decrease in ground-nesting bird populations due to an increase in predator numbers.
In addition, these large lizards are notorious for damaging seawalls and other coastal structures, wreaking havoc on the ecosystems near the shoreline. However, few of us think about the environmental impact of iguanas when we purchase one as a pet.
Ultimately, it is worth considering carefully before deciding whether or not keeping one of these creatures is indeed a wise choice.
What are the negatives of iguanas?
Iguanas, while exotic pets that bring a lot of excitement and joy to many families come with their own set of negatives. For example, iguanas are extremely messy pets and require day-to-day cleanup as well as frequent spot cleaning.
They tend to leave droppings around the house and need larger enclosures than other reptiles. Some of these cute animals can also become aggressive when they feel threatened or anxious around people.
Furthermore, iguanas need high-fiber foods and regular ultraviolet exposure to stay healthy, which can be expensive and time-consuming. All in all, iguanas may not be the best pet for everyone due to these factors.
Summary
In conclusion, iguanas can certainly be a nuisance when it comes to power outages. They seem to have a knack for finding their way into the wrong places, and their unique behaviors can wreak havoc on otherwise stable power systems.
We must try to learn from these situations and use them to help us make sure our equipment is secure against wildlife meddling. With increased safety protocols and responsible management practices, it may be possible for humans and iguanas to live peaceably side by side.
While keeping our utilities running is a priority, so too is respecting nature’s way – just because an animal isn’t welcome doesn’t mean that it should be treated poorly. Understanding how iguanas are involved in power outages can arm us with the knowledge that is essential in working towards greater harmony between man and beast.
