Frozen Iguanas Tumble from Trees During Florida's Historic Cold Snap
South Florida is experiencing its coldest weather in 15 years, with temperatures plunging to record lows that have triggered an unusual wildlife phenomenon. Green iguanas, unable to withstand the frigid conditions, are falling from trees in what appears to be a frozen state.
Record-Breaking Cold Grips the Sunshine State
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach recorded temperatures as low as -1 degree Celsius (30 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday, according to weather reports. This represents the most severe cold snap South Florida has endured since 2011, with frost advisories extending through Tuesday morning across the region.
The Science Behind the Falling Reptiles
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission explains that when temperatures drop to near-freezing levels and remain there, reptiles like green iguanas enter a state of torpor. During this protective physiological response, they temporarily lose muscle control and appear frozen, sometimes falling from their arboreal perches.
"When temperatures drop and sustain to near-freezing or below, reptiles and amphibians, including nonnative green iguanas, can go into a state of torpor," stated the FWC in an official release.
Ron Magill, communications director at Zoo Miami, provided additional context to CBS News, noting that these cold-blooded creatures become lethargic when temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius. At approximately 7 degrees Celsius, they enter the cold-stunned state that causes them to lose their grip on branches.
Emergency Measures for Invasive Species Management
In response to the unusual situation, Florida authorities have issued an executive order allowing residents to remove cold-stunned green iguanas without permits until February 2. The reptiles can be brought directly to five designated FWC offices for processing.
Green iguanas are classified as an invasive species in Florida, with the FWC noting they have "adverse impacts on Florida's environment and economy." Normally, residents require permits to possess these reptiles even temporarily for transportation purposes.
Understanding the Green Iguana Problem
These adaptable reptiles present multiple challenges for Florida communities:
- Male green iguanas can grow up to five feet long and weigh 17 pounds
- They damage residential and commercial landscape vegetation
- Their burrowing habits erode and collapse infrastructure including sidewalks and seawalls
- They're attracted to trees with foliage, most fruits (except citrus), and vegetables
The reptiles can live up to 10 years in the wild or 19 years in captivity, and their ability to thrive in both rural and urban environments makes them particularly problematic.
Safety Protocols and Disposition
The FWC has issued specific safety guidelines for residents handling green iguanas, recommending gloves, pants, and long-sleeve shirts for protection. Iguanas brought to FWC facilities will either be humanely euthanized or transferred to permit holders for live animal sales, according to official protocols.
This unusual weather event highlights the complex relationship between climate patterns and invasive species management in Florida's unique ecosystem. As temperatures eventually warm, the stunned iguanas typically recover, but the temporary vulnerability provides a rare opportunity for population control of this problematic species.
