Officials encourage killing Frozen iguanas
The unusually cold temperatures in the Sunshine State have caused iguanas to enter a “frozen” paralyzed state and fall from trees. Getty Images
Florida is experiencing another frigid blast, and thousands of frozen iguanas are tumbling from trees as temperatures plunge. Wildlife officials say the cold provides an unusual opportunity to remove the invasive reptiles.
“There were iguanas pushing six to six-and-a-half feet long—they look like dragons, absolutely crazy,” said iguana hunter Ryan Izquierdo. “It was a madhouse” at the collection center, where the reptiles are being rounded up and “humanely killed,” according to the Washington Post.
South Florida is bracing for temperatures in the 40s Friday, with “feels like” temperatures in the 30s, following a weekend of extreme cold. For comparison, Miami’s average low in February is usually around 68 degrees.
Iguanas become “cold stunned” when temperatures drop into the 40s, temporarily paralyzing them and often causing them to fall from palm trees. While many recover after thawing, the cold snap allows officials and residents to capture and remove the invasive species more easily.
“South Florida has not experienced this level of cold weather in many years,” said Shannon Knowles, communications director for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “We’re using this opportunity to remove an invasive non-native species from the landscape.”
This marks the first organized removal effort for Florida’s invasive iguanas. Over the years, the reptiles have caused significant environmental and structural damage, eating plants and contributing to erosion of canal banks and seawalls.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued an executive order Friday permitting people without special licenses to collect the frozen iguanas and take them to local offices for humane euthanasia. Some reptiles may also be transferred to licensed handlers for live animal sales.
Dramatic images show piles of cold-stunned iguanas covering the frost-touched ground from Miami to Jupiter. Forecasters say temperatures will remain chilly through the weekend, with lows in the upper 40s, following a Thursday high near 58.
Last Sunday, Florida shattered February cold records in several cities, including Daytona Beach, Orlando, Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Fort Pierce.
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