Florida Residents Given Green Light to Collect Cold-Stunned Iguanas Amid Rare Freeze
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s unusual deep freeze has created a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to aid in controlling an invasive species that has long plagued the state’s ecosystems and residential areas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order on Friday allowing the public to collect cold-stunned green iguanas without a permit, a move aimed at mitigating damage caused by these reptiles during the ongoing extreme weather event.
Green iguanas, native to Central and South America, have become an invasive species in Florida, where they damage residential and commercial vegetation and are often regarded as nuisances by property owners. These cold-blooded reptiles rely on warm temperatures to regulate their body functions, and when temperatures fall into the 40s Fahrenheit or below, they become immobilized. The current freeze has caused many iguanas to become “cold-stunned,” leading them to fall from trees, appearing lifeless.
Under the FWC’s executive order, anyone can collect live, cold-stunned iguanas from the wild without the need for a permit. The reptiles can then be brought to one of five designated FWC offices on Sunday and Monday for humane euthanasia or, in some cases, transfer to permittees authorized for live animal sales. This temporary measure is designed to encourage public participation in reducing the iguana population during this exceptional weather event.
“This is a unique opportunity for Floridians and visitors alike to help reduce the population of this invasive species in a humane and regulated manner,” said a spokesperson for the FWC. The agency has long struggled with managing the iguana population, which has thrived in Florida’s warm climate since its introduction. The reptiles’ breeding season runs from February through May, making this winter freeze a critical moment before the start of their reproductive cycle.
According to the FWC, iguanas can cause significant damage to landscaping and native plants, and their burrowing habits may undermine infrastructure such as seawalls and sidewalks. The agency encourages the public to report sightings and participate in removal efforts where safe and feasible.
Florida’s current cold snap has also disrupted travel and daily life across the state, with flights grounded and events canceled, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration. The freeze is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting parts of the United States, prompting agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue warnings and advisories.
Those interested in participating in the iguana removal effort can find more information and locations for drop-off at the FWC’s official website. The commission emphasizes that while the public is encouraged to assist, safety precautions should be observed when handling wildlife.
For more details on invasive species management and Florida’s wildlife regulations, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to managing invasive species exacerbated by climate events, leveraging community involvement to protect native ecosystems.
As Florida contends with this rare freeze, the temporary relaxation of permit requirements for iguana collection represents a pragmatic response to an ecological challenge intensified by unusual weather patterns. Residents and visitors are urged to take advantage of this window to help mitigate the impact of these invasive reptiles before the breeding season begins.
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