Historic Cold Snap Sends Over 1,000 Frozen Iguanas to Wildlife Officials in One Day

A rare and powerful cold front swept through South Florida this weekend, leaving behind an unusual sight: green iguanas frozen, immobile, and falling from trees across the region.

As temperatures dropped to historic lows, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that more than 1,000 cold-stunned iguanas were turned in at a single office in Sunrise in just one day. The reptiles, an invasive species in Florida, enter a temporary state of torpor when temperatures near freezing, losing muscle control and often appearing lifeless.

Some residents simply observed the phenomenon, while others took action. NBC6 cameras captured residents arriving with dozens of iguanas at a time. One man said he collected between 50 and 100 reptiles, while another claimed to have gathered over 100 pounds of iguanas in under an hour.

FWC issued a temporary executive order allowing the public to capture cold-stunned iguanas without a permit. The reptiles could be turned in to designated FWC locations for humane euthanasia or release to permitted individuals.

However, officials warned against warming iguanas in homes or vehicles. Videos circulating on social media showed people using towels, heaters, and even blow dryers to revive the animals—actions the FWC strongly discourages, as revived iguanas can become aggressive and escape.

The commission advised anyone collecting iguanas to wear protective clothing and place the animals in sealed, breathable cloth bags inside labeled containers. Iguanas were to be transported directly to FWC facilities to prevent recovery during transit.

Green iguanas pose serious environmental and economic threats in Florida, damaging infrastructure, vegetation, and native wildlife habitats. The cold snap, while temporary, offered a rare opportunity for population control.

FWC emphasized that as temperatures rise, iguanas may regain mobility, urging the public to act quickly and responsibly.