Rare Florida freeze Has Residents collecting stunned invasive iguanas Near Miami

Florida’s Freeze Creates Opportunity for Iguana Removal

Florida’s rare extreme freeze is offering a “unique opportunity” for residents and visitors to assist in removing invasive green iguanas from the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The agency issued an executive order allowing people to collect live, cold-stunned iguanas without a permit during the cold snap. These reptiles, when temperatures drop into the 40s or below, enter a state of torpor, losing muscle control and sometimes falling from trees, though they remain alive. South Florida was expected to experience its coldest temperatures since 2010, creating ideal conditions for this initiative.

Guidelines for Collecting and Transporting Iguanas

Under the executive order, individuals can bring collected cold-stunned green iguanas to five designated FWC offices on Sunday and Monday for humane euthanasia or transfer to permittees for live sales. The FWC advises wearing protective clothing like gloves, pants, and long-sleeved shirts to avoid scratches. Iguanas must be placed in a secure, breathable cloth sack or bag, then into a second locked container labeled “Prohibited Reptiles.” Transport should occur immediately to prevent recovery, and bags must remain sealed until handed over to FWC staff to avoid escapes.

Impact and History of Invasive Iguanas in Florida

Green iguanas, first reported in South Florida in the 1960s, have thrived in the warm climate and become a nuisance by damaging vegetation and threatening native wildlife. They reproduce rapidly, exacerbating their invasive status. During cold weather, these cold-blooded animals become paralyzed but can recover quickly if warmed. The FWC warns against bringing them indoors or into vehicles unless for transport under the order, as revived iguanas may defend themselves with whips of their tails, teeth, and claws.

Hunting, Cooking, and Community Efforts

Florida permits hunting iguanas, with methods like bow and arrow used by locals such as Darcie Arahill, who shares videos on catching and cooking them. She recommends boiling the meat with potatoes and carrots, noting the tail and legs as the best parts. The FWC’s initiative ties into broader efforts to control this invasive species amid the freeze, which has also caused flight groundings and event cancellations across unexpected U.S. regions. Residents are encouraged to participate safely to help mitigate the ecological damage caused by these pests.

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