It can be quite hard to imagine iguanas being able to run fast, they can get pretty huge and heavy. The first time I ever saw an iguana, I remember thinking they are slow animals because of their size. Moreover, they don’t seem too interested in moving. So, do iguanas run fast?
Iguanas do run fast, very fast for its size. The fastest species, the spiny-tailed iguanas, can run up to 21 miles per hour.
Usain Bolt, an Olympic gold medalist in 100 meters sprinting achieved a record speed of 27.5 miles per hour in the year 2009. Imagine an iguana, with much shorter legs running at 21 miles per hour! So, don’t be fooled by their large size and short legs, these animals can probably run faster than you.
Why Do Iguanas Need to Run Fast?
Iguanas are prey to various animals in the wild such as big birds and snakes. They are used to being chased by these predators so they have no choice but to run. Iguanas are simply not strong enough to fight them off.
Moreover, iguanas are animals that prefer to run rather than to fight. They only fight if there is absolutely no way out. Unfortunately, most of the time, iguanas still can’t escape the big birds that hunt them.
These big birds include hawks, owls, and eagles. The slowest one of all those are the hawks but they still fly at a speed of 22 to 28 miles per hour, which is faster than any iguana can run. Iguanas would be extremely lucky if they are able to somehow escape from these big birds.
On the other hand, snakes on average, move at about 8 miles per hour and can have a short burst of speed of 12 miles per hour. Iguanas have a much bigger chance of running away from snakes unless they are ambushed and got caught without knowing.
Check this video of an iguana running away from snakes shot by BBC:
From this video, you can see just how fast iguanas can run, especially if they are running for their lives.
How Do Iguanas Run So Fast?
Believe it or not, iguanas have very muscular legs. It’s fascinating how muscular they are when all they do is lay on branches and bask under the sun.
These legs don’t just look muscular, they are also very powerful, hence the speed they run at. This is probably due to the diet they eat and the genetics they have. Their diet consists of mostly green, leafy vegetables.
Here is a video an iguana running away from a human being when it got approached:
Just see how fast it runs!
Here is another video of an iguana running away from humans in a tennis court:
Should Iguanas In Captivity Run?
Keeping your iguana active is crucial for its health. Even though iguanas are relatively lazy animals, they do require exercise. Just because iguanas can run extremely fast, that doesn’t mean you have to let it. You can, if your iguana is willing to run alongside you with a leash.
Iguanas don’t need such intense exercise (running), all they need is some walking, swimming, or climbing. Usually, iguanas only run if they think they are in danger.
In captivity, there is no danger like those in the wild. That’s why iguanas usually don’t run when they are kept as pets unless your iguana sees you as a threat. In that case, you have to start taming it.
If you do decide to let your iguana roam freely, make sure you do it in a place where it’s enclosed. You don’t want your pet iguana running away. You will have little to no chance of catching it.
Conclusion
Iguanas are very fast runners considering their size. Running fast is essential to escape and stay alive in the wild. Iguanas are often preyed upon by animals such as big birds and snakes.
Not only are iguanas’ legs muscular, but they are also very powerful which allows them to run that fast.
Lastly, if you have a pet iguana, it’s important to let it exercise every once in a while but you don’t necessarily need to let them run just because they can.
Bringing your iguana for a walk with a leash or swim is more than enough exercise to keep them healthy.
