What are iguanas, and why are thousands of them falling from trees in 'freezing' Florida? Video goes viral

Iguanas are large, plant-eating lizards mostly found in warm regions of Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and parts of southern Florida. They are cold-blooded reptiles, which means they depend on heat from the sun to regulate their body temperature. Iguanas are known for their long tails, sharp claws, scaly skin, and a row of spines running down their backs. They often live in trees near water and are excellent climbers and swimmers. Most iguanas eat leaves, fruits, and flowers and green iguanas are generally calm unless they feel threatened.


Thousands of iguanas are falling from trees in Florida because a rare and intense cold snap has hit the state. Green iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles and when the temperature drops too low their metabolism and muscle control slow down dramatically. In such conditions they enter a paralysis-like state (called cold stunning), can’t grip branches, and lose their hold and fall. Videos have gone viral showing cold-stunned reptiles lying on the ground, immobilized by the sudden drop in temperature.



For a species that is normally hard to catch or kill in Florida’s warm climate, cold weather creates a rare chance to reduce their numbers. During cold snaps, many iguanas become stunned and easy to collect. According to News-Press, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently issued an executive order allowing residents to drop off cold-stunned iguanas. Under normal conditions, a permit is required to capture or transport live iguanas.

"The special regulations under Executive Order 26-03 provide a unique opportunity for members of the public to remove green iguanas from their property during this unusual, sustained cold-weather event," the FWC said as quoted by News-Press.


According to FWC, green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and are classified as prohibited, meaning they cannot be owned or transported without a permit, even temporarily. Officials say the species causes serious harm to Florida’s environment and economy. As per News-Press, green iguanas dig into seawalls, damage ornamental plants, and create sanitation problems by leaving droppings on walkways, docks, and in swimming pools.