Florida euthanizes 5,195 frozen iguanas

What’s Happening

Breaking it down: First introduced during the 1960, the invasive reptiles were ‘cold-stunned’ during a record-breaking cold snap.

The post Florida euthanizes 5,195 frozen iguanas appeared first on Popular Science. A cold-stunned green iguana lies on the ground on in Miami Beach, Florida. (and honestly, same)

The cold-blooded creatures fall from trees when temperatures get too low.

The Details

South Florida reached the mid-30s overnight as an arctic chill moved through the area. Joe Raedle/ Get the Popular Science daily 💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week.

To state the obvious, it’s been a particularly frigid winter across most of the eastern United States. Winter’s icy grip has not even spared the Sunshine State, where a total of 5,195 frozen green iguanas —an invasive species—have been removed from the ecosystem and euthanized.

Why This Matters

Green iguanas ( Iguana iguana ) are considered an invasive species in Florida. They were introduced in the state during the 1960s and can harm native fish and wildlife, cause damage, and may pose a threat to human health and safety. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), nonnative reptile species like green iguanas and Burmese pythons are only protected by anti-cruelty laws and “can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission.

Scientists and researchers are watching this development closely.

Key Takeaways

• ” Cold weather can make things interesting when it comes to iguanas, and Florida has had no shortage of cold this winter.
• Miami saw its coldest February 1 on record at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills down to 26 degrees.
• Reptiles like iguanas are cold-blooded and rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature .
• Since the outside temperature has such a drastic effect on their bodies, cold-blooded animals often adapt their behavior as a response.

The Bottom Line

When air temperatures get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the reptiles will get stunned (or freeze), lose their grip, and fall from trees. After they fall from a tree, they may appear to be dead, but their body functions remain intact.

How do you feel about this development?