To put it plainly, the winter season proved exceptionally frigid across a substantial portion of the eastern United States. The winter’s icy grip even spared not the Sunshine State, where a total of 5,195 frozen green iguanas—an invasive species—were effectively taken out of the ecosystem and euthanized.
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are classified as an invasive species within Florida. Introduced to the state back in the 1960s, they pose risks to native fish and wildlife, cause property damage, and can present health and safety concerns for people. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), non-native reptiles like green iguanas and Burmese pythons are only protected by anti-cruelty statutes and “may be humanely dispatched on private property with the landowner’s permission.”
Cold weather can create interesting situations for iguanas, and Florida experienced a considerable amount of chill this winter. Miami recorded its all-time coldest February 1st at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chill plunging as low as 26 degrees. Reptiles, being cold-blooded, rely on external environmental conditions to modulate their body temperature. Because ambient temperature influences them so significantly, these ectotherms often adjust their behavior accordingly. When air temperatures drop below approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the reptiles become stunned (or frozen), lose their grip, and tumble from trees. Upon falling, they may appear deceased, but their vital bodily functions remain functional.
In response to the record cold, the FWC enacted Executive Order 26-03, which temporarily permitted individuals to collect stunned, living green iguanas from the wild without a permit and transport them to wildlife rehabilitation centers. Consequently, residents brought in 5,195 frozen iguanas between February 1st and 2nd. These iguanas were subsequently euthanized.
“As an invasive species, Green Iguanas negatively affect Florida’s environment and economy,” stated FWC Executive Director Roger Young in a release. “Removing over 5,000 of these non-native lizards in such a brief period was only achievable through the coordinated efforts of many dedicated staff across multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners, and certainly the numerous residents who took the time to gather and turn in the cold-stunned iguanas from their properties.”
Frozen iguanas also present a unique challenge for Florida, given that green iguanas are primarily inhabitants of warmer climates. With lengths reaching up to seven feet and weights exceeding 30 pounds, a falling iguana can present a hazard, so pedestrians should exercise caution when walking beneath palm trees during cold spells. If you encounter a frozen iguana on the ground, refrain from attempting to warm it up. Ordinarily, you could face a citation for relocating an animal. It is best to simply leave the iguana be, as it is expected to quickly recover once temperatures climb back toward 50 degrees.
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