SANIBEL - The city of Sanibel is primed to kick out a couple of unwelcome visitors. Starting this weekend, the city is sending out special patrols to capture two exotic lizards that are threatening the island's native wildlife.

"I play golf a few times at Beachview, and the place is just overrun with them." Paul Reynolds says Green Iguanas seem to be all over Sanibel island these days. He's seen several in the five years he's lived here.

"We had iguanas by my old house, came as a surprise to me when we had some trees come down," Reynolds said.

The iguanas are one of two exotic animals now considered a problem on the island; the other is the Nile Monitor lizard, a fast-moving reptile than can grow up to seven feet long.

"The Nile Monitor can be particularly problematic in that its preferred diet is eggs," said Sanibel city manager Judy Zimomra. "Sanibel's birding population would be greatly at risk."

Wildlife experts aren't positive how either animal got to the island, though the monitors are known to be good swimmers, and may have come over from mainland Lee county.

So starting Friday in places all over the island, licensed trappers will be on patrol to look for the two animals, wearing bright green 'Lizard Control Unit' shirts.

"Sanibel is committed to having our ecosystem as our number one valued asset," Zimomra said.

To preserve the natural environment, the city and its supporters say the non-native lizards need to go.

"A lot of people consider them harmless, and perhaps they are harmless, but we are a sanctuary, natural island," Paul Reynolds said.

The city says there have only been two confirmed sightings of Nile Monitor lizards this year, but because they're so reclusive, they estimate as many as 20 may be living on the island.

Anyone who spots either type of animal is asked to call the Sanibel police non-emergency number at 472-3111.