Floridians walking under the trees may encounter rain of frozen iguanas coming from the sky with the arrival of cold weather. Iguanas were never expected to become part of Florida’s ecosystems, but our passion as humans to release pets into the wild means they are settling into new homes where they are not native.
Florida’s climate does not pose a problem for these cold-blooded reptiles for most of the year, but when autumn comes, the weather cools down a bit, causing iguanas, who cannot regulate their body temperature, to spasm and fall from the trees. This condition is so common that some places, like Miami, have started making “iguana decline” predictions like the weather.
Falling iguanas are also becoming increasingly familiar to Florida residents. The numbers of this invasive species continue to increase despite all efforts. Although frozen iguanas may appear quite dead, they are rarely so, and those who encounter iguanas should approach them with caution. The strong claws and teeth of these animals can be quite dangerous if they regain some of their energy. Therefore, those who find a frozen iguana are advised to place the animal in a secure bag and deliver it to the local wildlife center or veterinarian. Additionally, because iguanas are invasive animals in Florida and cause major problems for the state’s native wildlife, Florida residents are allowed to kill any found on their land.
Although taking such action can be a very difficult decision, the harsh reality is that these animals have a catastrophic impact on local ecosystems. Although it’s humans’ fault that they came to Florida, iguana showers are a seasonal reminder that these animals don’t belong here.
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