Florida iguanas are ‘cold stunned’ and falling from trees

A rare cold snap across Florida has left thousands of iguanas ‘cold stunned’ and immobile, with some falling from trees. The state’s wildlife agency says they’re ripe for capturing.

Reptiles like iguanas are ectotherms, meaning their internal body temperature is affected by the weather outside. When it gets too cold – temperatures in Florida have dropped to below 50F (10C) – their internal process slow down, leading to the phenomenon known as ‘cold stunning.’

Florida’s wildlife agency has asked the public to capture these iguanas, who are an invasive species not native to the state, while they’re immobile. They report that more than 2,000 cold stunned iguanas have been handed over to authorities so far.