A recent cold snap in Florida triggered an extraordinary response, as residents and visitors participated in a two-day effort to remove invasive green iguanas. Over 5,000 of the reptiles, stunned by the unseasonably low temperatures, were collected and turned in to state wildlife officials.
The unusual collection event was authorized by a special executive order, temporarily lifting permit requirements for capturing the cold-affected iguanas. This allowed for a rapid and coordinated removal of the nonnative species, a significant undertaking made possible by the combined efforts of wildlife staff, partners, and concerned citizens.
The largest concentration of iguanas – 3,882 in total – arrived at the FWC office in Sunrise, near Fort Lauderdale. Another substantial number, 1,075, were brought to Tequesta, north of West Palm Beach, with additional collections in the Florida Keys and Fort Myers.
The iguanas weren’t simply relocated; FWC staff worked diligently to transfer them to permitted holders, including those authorized to transport the reptiles out of state. Unfortunately, not all could be rehomed, and those remaining were humanely euthanized by trained professionals.
Green iguanas pose a serious threat to Florida’s delicate ecosystem and economy, earning them a designation as a prohibited species. Their destructive habits include damaging infrastructure and leaving behind substantial waste in both public and private spaces.
The cold temperatures themselves are the key to this temporary control measure. When temperatures plummet, iguanas become immobile, losing their ability to regulate their body temperature and often falling from trees, appearing lifeless. This state of paralysis, known as torpor, is temporary, and the reptiles can recover quickly.
Officials strongly cautioned against bringing cold-stunned iguanas indoors, emphasizing that they can regain mobility surprisingly fast and may react defensively with powerful tails, sharp teeth, and claws. This underscores the potential danger these seemingly helpless creatures can still pose.
First appearing in South Florida in the 1960s, the iguana population has steadily grown, exploiting the region’s extensive network of canals for dispersal and colonization. These man-made waterways have inadvertently aided their spread, allowing them to establish themselves in new areas.
The recent cold snap provided a rare opportunity to address the growing iguana problem, but the FWC has made it clear that the collection period is over. While residents are permitted to humanely remove iguanas from their property year-round, the organized collection event has concluded.
The scale of this iguana removal effort highlights the ongoing challenge of managing invasive species and protecting Florida’s unique natural environment. It’s a stark reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the impact of nonnative wildlife.
