'Frozen' iguanas falling out of trees as cold snap grips Florida

[Tragedeigh]

Freezing temperatures and a "bomb cyclone" hit Florida over the weekend of February 1-2, 2026, causing invasive green iguanas to become paralyzed and plummet from trees. The cold-blooded reptiles enter a dormant state when temperatures drop below 40-50°F (4-10°C), losing their grip on branches.

Key Details of the Florida Cold Snap:

• Reptile Impact: The iguanas are not dead, but cold-stunned and paralyzed, typically waking up when temperatures rise.
• Invasive Species: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has, in the past, advised residents that they can humanely euthanize the non-native reptiles if they are on private property.
• Unusual Weather: Temperatures in South Florida dropped into the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, with some areas seeing rare snow flurries.
• Extended Cold: The cold snap is considered the most significant for South Florida since December 1989.
• Widespread Danger: The freezing conditions pose risks to local agriculture, with farmers using water spray techniques to protect crops like berries and oranges.

The phenomenon is common during, and is used to manage, the invasive, non-native iguana population that thrives in the state's typically warm climate.