Florida Removes Over 5,000 Cold-Stunned Iguanas During Historic Freeze
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In an unprecedented response to a rare and severe cold snap, Florida wildlife officials and residents removed more than 5,000 invasive green iguanas over a two-day period as the reptiles became cold-stunned and immobilized by record-low temperatures. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that 5,195 iguanas were captured and turned in during the freeze that gripped South Florida on February 1 and 2.
Green iguanas, native to Central and South America, have long been an invasive species in Florida, causing ecological damage and property concerns. However, the recent arctic front, which brought temperatures far below typical winter lows, temporarily paralyzed the cold-blooded creatures, causing them to fall from trees and become vulnerable on the ground.
The FWC implemented a special exemption during the freeze, allowing residents and visitors to capture these cold-stunned iguanas without a permit, a move that significantly aided the rapid removal effort. Officials established four designated collection sites where the public could bring the reptiles safely.
“The removal of over 5,000 of these nonnative lizards in such a short time span was only possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of many staff members in multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners and, of course, the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas from their properties,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a meeting in Tallahassee on February 4.
The event highlights the challenges Florida faces with invasive species management. Green iguanas have thrived in the state’s subtropical climate, often damaging vegetation and infrastructure. The cold snap, while harmful to the iguanas, provided a unique opportunity for population control.
The FWC’s swift action aligns with broader efforts to manage invasive reptiles, including Burmese pythons, which have also posed significant ecological threats. The commission’s work is part of Florida’s commitment to protecting native wildlife and habitats from invasive species impacts.
Residents interested in learning more about invasive species management and the FWC’s initiatives can visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s green iguana page. For information on how the state handles invasive species and public participation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s invasive species program offers resources and guidance.
This event also underscores the importance of community involvement in wildlife management. The FWC encourages Floridians to remain vigilant and report sightings of invasive species through their Wildlife Alert system, which helps track and manage populations effectively.
As climate variability continues to affect the region, unusual weather events like this freeze may become more frequent, potentially influencing invasive species dynamics. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides ongoing climate data and forecasts that are critical for anticipating such impacts and preparing appropriate responses.
The recent cold snap and resulting iguana removal effort demonstrate how coordinated governmental action and public participation can address complex environmental challenges in Florida’s unique ecosystem.
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