As winter rolls in, Florida residents are experiencing a strange phenomenon: frozen iguanas falling from trees. This occurrence happens when temperatures drop into the 30s or 40s Fahrenheit, causing these cold-blooded creatures to become immobilized or even paralyzed. Reports of frozen iguanas have been noted as recently as November 11, with sightings in Port Charlotte and Palm Beach County. It’s a sight that’s both alarming and a bit humorous, as iguanas are a common sight along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, particularly in counties like Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach, as well as along the Gulf Coast in Collier and Lee Counties.
Iguanas are typically found in habitats like canal banks, shrubs, culverts, drainage pipes, rock piles, and even golf courses. When the temperature drops significantly, these iguanas can be found on sidewalks and pool decks, appearing almost as if they are taking a nap. However, experts advise against touching them. These frozen iguanas will thaw naturally when the weather warms up, and handling them could result in defensive behavior once they regain mobility.
The Iguana Invasion: A Growing Concern
It’s important to note that the green iguana is considered a non-native invasive species in Florida, having been introduced through the exotic pet trade in the 1960s. They thrive in Florida’s warm climate, which mimics their native habitats in Central America, South America, and parts of the Caribbean. Due to their invasive nature, green iguanas were added to the Prohibited list on April 29, 2021. This means it is illegal to possess live green iguanas without a permit, and they cannot be relocated or released in Florida.
If you encounter a frozen iguana, it should not be brought indoors. Instead, homeowners are advised to contact professional wildlife control operators if assistance is needed. For those who wish to deal with iguanas on their property, capturing and humanely killing them is permitted with the landowner’s permission.
Cold Weather Effects on Iguanas
When the temperature drops, iguanas can become immobilized at air temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees. This immobilization can make them vulnerable to predators such as bobcats and coyotes. Although they typically recover once the temperatures rise, prolonged immobilization can lead to serious health issues like digestive problems and bacterial infections. The last significant cold-induced die-off of iguanas occurred in January 2010, when West Palm Beach saw overnight lows in the 30s multiple times.
So, if you spot a fallen iguana, don’t be quick to assume it’s dead. They may appear to be sleeping, but they will spring back to life when temperatures warm up. It’s best to leave them alone due to their sharp teeth and claws. Instead of panicking, just wait for the Florida sun to do its magic!
For more information on this quirky weather phenomenon and how to handle frozen iguanas, you can check out the article from the Palm Beach Post and additional insights from USA Today.