An unusual cold snap in Florida has left thousands of iguanas ‘cold shocked’ and immobilized, with some falling from trees. The state wildlife agency says they are ripe for the taking.
Reptiles such as iguanas are ectotherms, meaning that the temperature inside the body is affected by the weather outside. When it gets too cold – the temperature in Florida drops below 50F (10C) – their internal processes slow down, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘cold stunning.’
The Florida wildlife agency is asking the public to capture these iguanas, which are an invasive species not native to the state, while they are inactive. They reported that more than 2,000 cold stunned iguanas have been handed over to the authorities so far.