Florida’s Chilling Phenomenon: When the Cold Bites, Iguanas Take a Tumble
Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and vibrant wildlife. But recently, residents witnessed a peculiar and somewhat startling event during an unusual cold snap: iguanas quite literally falling from trees. While it might sound like a scene from a sci-fi movie, it’s a very real (and annual, to some extent) occurrence when temperatures plummet below a certain threshold for these cold-blooded creatures.
Green iguanas, an invasive species that has thrived in Florida’s warm climate, become lethargic and temporarily paralyzed when temperatures drop into the 40s Fahrenheit. They enter a dormant state, lose their grip, and fall from their perches in trees. While often appearing lifeless, many are merely stunned and will reanimate once the sun returns and warms them up.
However, this recent cold snap was significant enough to cause widespread impact, and the numbers are truly staggering. Government and private pest control services have reported collecting roughly 8,000 frozen iguanas from across the state. This incredible figure highlights both the sheer population of these reptiles in Florida and the intensity of the cold weather event.
For many Floridians, iguanas are more than just a quirky sight; they are considered a nuisance and an invasive species known for damaging landscaping, seawalls, and native plants. While the sight of a frozen iguana may evoke sympathy, their removal is often part of ongoing efforts to manage their population and mitigate their environmental impact. So, while the phenomenon of falling iguanas is certainly unique, it also serves as a stark reminder of nature’s surprising responses to extreme weather.
Source: Original Article
