It’s Winter: Will There Be Falling Iguanas in Florida?
Falling iguanas in Florida are an indication of extremely chilly temperatures in this state which is known for its balmy weather. “Isolated falling iguanas” is the local term for this weather calamity, which is unique to Florida. These lizards fall from high places they are resting in, like trees, when they get too cold. The weather in Florida is the coldest it has been in almost a decade. Freeze warnings were issued all around the state in 2021. As a result, people in Florida are growing frightened of iguanas striking them since it is getting so chilly there and breaking records for temperature. It is a very real potential that it might happen again given the recent frigid temperatures. The months when this phenomenon is most likely to occur are late December through early February.
Why Are Iguanas Falling In Florida?
Iguana species from Florida occasionally drop from trees after momentarily freezing as a result of unusually cold weather. The essential term here is “momentarily,” as the reptiles that are raining typically recover as the temperature rises. Iguanas dwelling in the trees of South Florida frequently become immobilized in cold weather due to their cold-blooded nature, which causes them to fall to the ground.
What Types of Iguanas Freeze and Fall From Trees?
The “green iguanas,” which are not indigenous to Florida, are iguanas that freeze and fall. The southern region of the state has had them since the 1960s, though. They like the tropical climates of South Florida, along with Central American, South America, and the Caribbean. They are actually considered an invasive species in Florida.
What Is A Falling Iguana Warning?
As a result of these cooler temperatures, the weather forecast center has even issued cold weather warnings that predict dropping iguanas. If you reside in Florida and hear this warning, please exercise caution when driving or walking through regions with plenty of trees. Male iguanas may grow over 5 feet long and weigh almost 20 pounds! Ouch.
At What Temperature Do Iguanas Fall Out Of Trees In Florida?
The iguana has cold blood. When temperatures drop into the 40s, which has grown more typical in Florida during the winter months over the past few years, they freeze or become immobile.
When Does This Phenomenon Occur?
Up until recently, the last time Floridians saw this occurrence of iguanas dropping from trees was in 2010. In the winter of late 2021 to early 2022, South Florida had temperatures as low as 25F. The area was going through some of its coldest weather in almost a decade. A number of these lizards could be seen in pictures shared on social media resting on their sides or backs.
What Do I Do With A Falling Iguana?
Iguanas are not severely harmed by this abrupt change in weather, but locals should be cautious around them. They do not actually freeze or die, but they do enter a state resembling hibernation. They could once have been kept as pets. However, they are regarded as invasive because of the harm they cause to local fauna. Green iguanas aren’t safeguarded in Florida by any laws preventing cruelty to animals, like all other non-native reptile species. Thus, with the consent of the landowner, they may be mercifully put to death on private property. The greatest thing to do if you see an iguana fall is nothing. The animal will recuperate on its own if it heats up quickly. Because of this, people should refrain from handling any fallen iguanas because they might bite if startled. Other than that, iguanas are not hostile or hazardous to people. Do not attempt to “rescue” any iguanas. In fact, if you do, you just breached the law. This happens when you take an iguana and reintroduce this invasive species back into Florida wildlife. And although they are already there, this is still true. If you do rescue or capture one, you can tie it in a bag or put it in a pet container. The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) or a professional iguana hunter can then be contacted to remove it.
Up Next:
Iguanas in Florida: What Species Are Native to Florida?Discover 10 Incredible Lizards in FloridaDiscover 10 Invasive Lizards (Most are in Florida!)
