Florida – More and more Floridians are keeping or breeding animals such as lizards, anacondas, or green iguanas, but this is increasingly becoming a problem, as the reptiles are considered invasive species.

While pet owners can obtain permits for their still-living creatures, trade and breeding is to be significantly restricted, the Washington Post reported.

The new regulations were passed because the reptiles are causing widespread damage due to their large numbers. They tear up sea walls, sidewalks, and housing foundations – and can even carry salmonella.

Several shocked residents even reported suddenly discovering iguanas in their toilet bowls after the creatures crawled up the drainpipes. Over Christmas, there were concerns that freezing iguanas might fall from trees and pose a safety hazard to pedestrians.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now cracking down and has already compiled a list of the 16 most ecologically damaging species.

Keeping of those species is soon to be completely banned or only allowed under strict conditions.

But the new measures have not met with universal approval. For example, one woman complained that she relied on her exotic pets for her mental wellbeing: "If you take them away, I would be really messed up."

Florida's fragile ecosystems, such as Everglades National Park, are being increasingly affected by the reptiles.

More and more of the animals once considered exotic are now being classified as pests.