Orlando, FL — Residents across Central and Southern Florida are under what meteorologists are calling a “falling iguana watch” after temperatures plunged into the 30s and 40s on Tuesday, November 11, causing the cold-blooded reptiles to drop out of trees in a frozen state.
Experts say the iguanas aren’t dead — they’re simply paralyzed by the cold and will reawaken once the weather warms up.
Cold Weather Shuts Down Iguana Bodies
As cold-blooded animals, iguanas rely on ambient heat to regulate their body temperature. When the temperature drops below 40°F, their muscles become immobilized, and they lose their grip on tree branches.
“Iguanas’ bodies shut down when temperatures drop below 40 degrees as a defense mechanism against the cold,” meteorologists explained to The Weather Channel.
This “cold-stunned” state often leads to dozens of iguanas falling onto roads, lawns, and cars — a bizarre yet well-known phenomenon unique to Florida’s subtropical climate.
Residents are urged not to touch or move the reptiles, as they can regain mobility once they warm up and may react defensively.
Residents and Weathermen Share Photos of Frozen Iguanas
Social media in Florida lit up on Tuesday morning as residents shared photos and videos of iguanas frozen mid-fall or lying motionless on sidewalks.
“WE HAVE FALLING IGUANAS!” wrote WINK weatherman Matt Devitt on Facebook, sharing a picture of a large iguana upside down in Port Charlotte, where temperatures hit 38°F.
“It’s not dead, just cold-stunned. Only in Florida!”
Local station WPBF 25 also joked, “That’s not road kill!” while showing pictures of paralyzed iguanas sprawled across driveways.
Experts Explain the Phenomenon
In an earlier interview with CBS News Miami, Ron Magill, communications director for Zoo Miami, explained how iguanas’ reaction to cold weather has been documented for years.
“Iguanas start getting sluggish once it drops below 50,” Magill said. “Below the mid-40s, they can enter a dormant state and fall out of trees. They look dead, but they’re not — they’re just stunned.”
This happens because the reptiles’ metabolism slows drastically, leaving them unable to hold onto tree limbs or move until the sun returns.
Wildlife Officials Issue Safety Warnings
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued guidance for residents encountering frozen iguanas. Officials stress that these animals, though immobile, are not harmless once they recover.
“Do not bring it into your home, vehicle, or building,” the FWC warned. “Non-native green iguanas are wild animals, and once they recover and warm up, they could act defensively.”
The FWC also reminded the public that green iguanas are a prohibited species in Florida. It is illegal to capture, relocate, or release them without a proper permit.
Floridians who wish to remove iguanas from their property should contact licensed wildlife control professionals instead of handling them directly.
A Strange but Familiar Florida Forecast
Although amusing to outsiders, this strange seasonal event has become a recognizable sign of Florida’s brief winter cold snaps. Many residents say they’ve learned to look up before walking near trees during the rare cold mornings.
“Some may prefer it raining cats and dogs over a cold front full of falling iguanas,” joked one meteorologist.
As temperatures warm later this week, experts say the iguanas will regain movement and climb back to safety — a quirky reminder of the Sunshine State’s tropical residents enduring a rare taste of winter.
What are your thoughts on Florida’s unusual “falling iguana watch”? Share your views in the comments below.
