When necessary, iguanas can detach their tail from their body. This could occur when they are picked up by their tail, become stuck, or are stepped on. This is a survival mechanism that allows iguanas to avoid predators. Tails usually snap cleanly off at the vertebrae. If this occurs while the iguana is still young and growing, its tail will most likely regrow. However, if the tail is improperly removed or the iguana is too old, it may never regrow its tail.