When people think of Florida, they usually imagine the hot beaches and the sunny skies. But during the rare occasion of super cold weather, something interesting happens…falling iguanas! This may sound dramatic, but when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this actually does happen.
Iguanas are cold-blooded animals, which means that their body temperature relies on the environment around them. They are native to South Africa but live in South Florida because of the near-tropical environment. During these cold weather spikes, their bodies will slow down, and if temperatures get too low, they will become temporarily paralyzed to conserve energy. While resting in trees at night, they can lose their grip and fall to the ground.
Karl Mullins ‘28 said, “I find it very interesting that the environmental changes can affect reptiles.”
The freezing of iguanas has become a well-known event in cities like Miami during winter cold fronts. News stations sometimes warn people to “watch out for falling iguanas.” It may sound funny, but a fully grown ten-pound iguana falling on your head will definitely leave a mark. Many Floridians like to pick them up and hold them since they cannot move, and sometimes iguanas are able to hold onto your clothes even when they are paralyzed, due to their sharp claws. Iguanas can regain movement and crawl away once the sun heats them up. However, if the cold lasts too long or drops too low, some iguanas die. Since iguanas are an invasive species, some wildlife experts believe that cold fronts help reduce their population naturally. According to AccuWeather, Steve Kavashansky, owner of Iguana Busters, told WPBF that he “estimates a 30% reduction in their numbers, based on what he’s seeing after the warmth returned.”
Florida’s falling iguanas turn an unusual cold front into one of the state’s most unique weather events. The strange sight of iguanas dropping from trees has even become a rare viral moment that captures people’s attention across the country
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