If you’re into herping, Florida might seem like paradise. Swamps, marshes, tropical temps, and a staggering diversity of cold-blooded creatures, what’s not to love? But beneath all that wild beauty lies a growing problem: invasive reptiles and amphibians that are throwing the local ecosystem way out of balance. These aren’t just a few rogue pets gone AWOL. We’re talking full-blown invasions, from Burmese pythons swallowing gators whole to cane toads poisoning dogs in backyards.

1. Burmese Python
Let’s start with the heavyweight. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) has become a symbol of Florida’s invasive species crisis. Native to Southeast Asia, these massive constrictors were once sold as exotic pets. Many owners eventually released them into the wild, some intentionally, some by accident, and some through hurricane-damaged facilities.

Now, South Florida’s Everglades are crawling with these apex predators. With few natural enemies, Burmese pythons have multiplied rapidly. They’ve been documented eating everything from raccoons and birds to deer and even alligators. If you’re on a herping tour in the Everglades, there’s a very real chance you’ll cross paths with one. Cool to see? Absolutely. Good for the ecosystem? Not a chance.

2. Cane Toads
Another invader that’s hopping all over South Florida is the cane toad (Rhinella marina). Originally introduced in the 1930s to control sugarcane pests, these big, warty toads are now everywhere, and they’re toxic. Cane toads secrete a potent toxin from glands behind their eyes, which can sicken or kill pets and native predators that make the mistake of trying to eat them.

Unlike the native Southern toad, cane toads have a smooth bony ridge running from their nose past their eyes. That’s one way herpers can tell them apart in the field. Just don’t pick them up bare-handed unless you like playing chemical roulette.

3. Green Iguanas
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) might be fun to spot sunning on a seawall, but these lizards are another exotic species gone rogue. Native to Central and South America, green iguanas thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate. They dig burrows that destabilize sidewalks and seawalls, munch through native vegetation, and even raid bird nests.

They’re fast, surprisingly destructive, and widespread along the southern coasts. In some areas, local governments have launched efforts to remove them, but controlling the population is like trying to plug holes in a leaky boat with duct tape.

4. Nile Monitors and Argentine Tegus
It’s not just the big names making trouble. Florida also hosts a rogue’s gallery of lesser-known invaders like the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) and the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae).

Nile monitors are large, aggressive lizards that can grow up to 7 feet. They prey on everything from fish to birds and have been spotted in parts of Southwest Florida.

Tegus, on the other hand, are burly omnivores that eat eggs, small animals, fruits, and even pet food. They’re a real threat to ground-nesting native species, including the American crocodile and gopher tortoise.

Both species were introduced through the exotic pet trade, and both have established wild populations despite efforts to eradicate them.

Why It Matters (and What You Can Do)
These invaders aren’t just oddities for a herping checklist, they’re actively reshaping Florida’s native habitats. They compete with native species for food, spread disease, and disrupt long-standing predator-prey relationships.

For the casual herper or even those considering a herping tour in Florida, these invasives can add an unexpected twist. Sure, spotting a 12-foot python is thrilling, but it also underscores the urgent need for awareness and action. Knowing what you’re seeing and reporting it to local wildlife agencies can actually help in tracking and controlling these species.