In Florida, over 5,000 exotic green iguanas were collected during a special two-day period that allowed residents and visitors to gather cold-stunned iguanas without needing permission. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that a total of 5,195 iguanas were collected and taken to designated FWC locations on February 1 and 2, coinciding with an unusually cold spell for South Florida.
FWC Executive Director Roger Young acknowledged the collaborative effort behind this significant removal, highlighting the hard work of many FWC staff, partners, and the residents who helped capture the cold-stunned reptiles. At a meeting in Tallahassee on February 4, Young emphasized the success of this initiative.
Special regulations put in place during this period allowed individuals to remove live, cold-stunned iguanas without a permit. Among the iguanas collected, a large number—3,882—were brought to the FWC’s Sunrise office, which is not far from Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, 1,075 were collected in Tequesta, with smaller numbers from the Florida Keys and Fort Myers.
FWC staff coordinated the transfer of these iguanas to permit holders, facilitating some sales out-of-state. Unfortunately, iguanas that couldn’t be transferred were humanely euthanized by trained personnel. Young noted that green iguanas are classified as a prohibited species in Florida due to their detrimental effects on the environment and economy.
As exotic species, iguanas can be killed humanely on private property in Florida, but are protected under the state’s anti-cruelty laws. FWC advises against bringing cold-stunned iguanas indoors, as they can become active again and may react defensively.
Temperature records revealed lows of 35 degrees in Miami and 30 degrees in West Palm Beach on February 1, breaking longstanding records. Green iguanas have been present in South Florida since the 1960s, and their muscle control can diminish dramatically in cold weather, causing them to drop from trees and appear lifeless, although they remain alive, albeit in a state of paralysis.
Many Florida residents took advantage of the rare winter cold to capture these invasive reptiles, which can cause property damage and leave droppings in various outdoor locations. According to the FWC, green iguanas thrive in cleared habitats and man-made canals, making it easier for them to spread. However, the FWC has decided to stop accepting live iguanas from the public following this initiative.
