Could we solve Florida’s invasive animal problem by eating them? Possibly, see which ones
Samantha Neely- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages eating some invasive species to help protect native wildlife.
- Although not illegal, eating Burmese pythons is not recommended due to high levels of mercury found in their meat.
Florida is unfortunately home to a lot of uninvited guests — especially invasive animals. But there might be another way to control their rapidly increasing populations.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a list for National Invasive Species Awareness last month, encouraging people to eat some of this species to limit damage to ecosystems.
"Eating invasive species can help protect native wildlife by reducing their numbers and limiting the damage they cause to ecosystems," the agency said. "However, it’s not a complete solution and should be combined with other conservation efforts to effectively control these species."
While the list touched on a few of the animals seen in Florida, there are others more that you could eat if you wanted to (and prepare correctly). See which ones you could bring to your next potluck.
What are feral hogs?
One of the earliest invasive species — wild hogs can trace their lineage back to the times of the Spanish conquistadors of the 16th century. These European settlers brought livestock to the Americas, including pigs, and some of them escaped into the wild as settlers expanded into the region.
The feral hog is defined in Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations as a "hog that is free-roaming and which cannot be legally claimed as a domestic hog in private ownership." They can also be called a wild hog, feral swine, feral pig, wild boar, wild pig or piney woods rooter.
Wild hogs are found in all 67 counties of Florida, according to the Department of Agriculture at the University of Florida.
Are Florida wild hogs safe to eat?
Feral hogs can be eaten for their meat, but you need to harvest and process them safely. Wild hogs may be trapped and hunted year-round with landowner permission, according to the FWC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites brucellosis as the main risk to humans who consume wild game. Wild hogs, elk, bison, caribou, moose and deer can all potentially carry the bacteria, which can cause fever, chills, weight loss, and joint and muscle pain.
To cook feral hog, the CDC recommends cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. They recommend the following guidelines when handling wild hogs:
- Use clean, sharp knives for field dressing and butchering.
- Wear eye protection and rubber or latex gloves (disposable or reusable) when handling carcasses.
- Avoid direct (bare skin) contact with fluid or organs from the animal.
- Avoid direct (bare skin) contact with hunting dogs that may have come into contact with hunted animals.
- After butchering, burn or bury disposable gloves and parts of the carcass that will not be eaten.
- Don’t feed dogs with raw meat or other parts of the carcass.
- Wash hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or more. Dry hands with a clean cloth.
- Clean all tools and reusable gloves with a disinfectant, like dilute bleach. (Follow the safety instructions on the product label).
- Thoroughly cook meat from any animal that is known to be a possible carrier of brucellosis.
- Be aware that freezing, smoking, drying and pickling do not kill the bacteria that cause brucellosis.
What kind of iguanas are in Florida?
Green iguanas have been taking over South Florida since the 1960s, according to the FWC.
These large green lizards are originally found from Central America to the tropical parts of South America and some eastern Caribbean islands. They are known to cause damage to residential and commercial landscape vegetation and are often considered a nuisance by property owners.
Can you eat the iguanas in Florida?
Yes! The iguana has been eaten in other countries for centuries.
"People have been eating iguanas since at least 10,000 years ago, when humans reached the New World tropics. It was a readily available, not-too-dangerous food source. It's always been part of the diet," William Kern, a professor at the University of Florida, told USA TODAY back in 2020.
Its meat is high protein and low fat. It's well-suited for tacos, burritos, curries, soups, stews, gumbo and more, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“The solution? Iguana stew,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wrote on its list. “Their meat is often called ‘chicken of the trees’ for its mild flavor.”
The FWC allows for the humane killing and consumption of iguanas in Florida, as they are considered an invasive species.
What are lionfish? Is there a lionfish problem in Florida?
The lionfish is a predatory reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. They have been reported on Florida's coast since 1985 and have caused damage due to eating native fish.
Lionfish have 18 venomous spines that are used defensively against predators, which the FWC writes their spines should be avoided during capture and handling because of their ability to cause painful injuries.
Can you hunt and eat lionfish?
Yes, lionfish are safe to eat after their venomous spines are removed.
"Once stripped of its venomous spines, cleaned, and filleted like any other fish, the lionfish becomes delectable seafood fare," the NOAA advises.
The FWC actively encourages divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish in Florida waters to limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems. They even host an annual "Lionfish Challenge" in the summer to reward those who remove the most lionfish.
What are bullseye snakehead fish?
The bullseye snakehead fish is native to Pakistan, Malaysia, and southern China waters. The FWC says it resembles a bowfin in behavior and appearance, but is distinguished by a long anal fin.
"The Snakehead remains centered in the Margate/Coral Springs/Pompano Beach area where it was first documented in October 2000," the FWC writes. "They will likely be limited to the southern half of Florida since temperatures below 50 (Fahrenheit) are lethal."
Can you eat bullseye snakehead fish?
Yes!
The Everglades CISMA recommends eating bullseye snakehead fish as a way to control their population, adding it is "good to eat and has a mild taste."
What are green mussels?
Since 1999, the Asian green mussel has been popping up on Florida's coasts.
Originally from the Indian and Pacific Oceans, they grow in tightly packed beds and can smother native oyster beds. The mollusks can also cause problems with shipping and infrastructure, as they weigh down buoys, clog intake valves, and damage boats.
Can you eat green mussels?
Yes, you can. They are consumed in China, the Philippines and Malaysia.
The FWC reminds consumers to follow the Florida Department of Health seafood safety guidelines and only consume shellfish collected from areas open to harvesting.
What about Burmese pythons — can you eat them?
No, you should not eat them.
The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake that is an invasive species in Florida. Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida via the pet trade and are now well established in the Everglades, where the snake represents a threat to the ecosystem.
According to the FWC, some Burmese pythons removed from the Everglades that have been tested for mercury levels have contained amounts of mercury considered too high for human consumption.
"Though it is not illegal to eat python meat, the Florida Department of Health recently finalized a consumption advisory for Burmese pythons found in Florida, advising “Do Not Consume Python” due to the high levels of mercury found in python meat. For more information regarding this advisory, please contact the Florida Department of Health," it shares on the python challenge's website.