The most recent cold blast that sent Florida into freezing temperatures was good for at least one thing: helping get rid of thousands of invasive iguanas from our ecosystems.
Iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles meaning they do not generate their own body heat and rely solely on external heat sources like the sun.
When temperatures drop significantly, likely below 50 degrees, the iguanas enter a dormant state. When temperatures drop in the mid-40s or colder, the effect intensifies and the reptiles become cold-stunned.
[WATCH BELOW: Florida returns to 70s, but another cold front is on the way]
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday announced this unusual cold helped remove 5,195 invasive green iguanas under Executive Order 26-03, which allowed people to remove the cold-stunned reptiles and bring them to select FWC offices on Sunday/Monday without a permit.
“As an invasive species, green iguanas have negative impacts on Florida’s environment and economy. The removal of over 5,000 of these nonnative lizards in such a short time span was only possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of many staff members in multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners, and of course the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas from their properties,” FWC Executive Director Roger Young said in a release.
A South Florida iguana expert gathered dozens of the animals over the weekend.
“The last time it froze like this, I found the majority of my frozen iguanas out by the beach,“ she told News 6 partner WPLG. ”I think that air coming off of the cold water is even colder for them, and the wind is stronger over there, so it knocks them out of the trees."
FWC said it worked with permit holders who are authorized to be in possession of the green iguanas to coordinate the transfer of the iguanas to their care, “including for sale outside of the state.”
Invasive green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by state anti-cruelty laws, and members of the public can humanely kill green iguanas year-round on their property or with landowner permission. People needing assistance with safe and humane removal of iguanas can contact a professional wildlife control operator. Landowners wanting to discourage iguanas from frequenting their property can find more information at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
FWC