Imagine stepping outside on a chilly morning, expecting to see frost or maybe even snow, but instead, you witness iguanas falling from trees. Sounds like a scene from a bizarre dream, right? But this is exactly what happened in Florida recently, and it’s not as uncommon as you might think. In this eye-opening video by Manny Brennan, a CBC Kids News Contributor, we dive into the strange phenomenon of cold-stunned iguanas and the unexpected ways people are dealing with it.
Here’s the deal: When temperatures in Florida drop near or below 0°C, these cold-blooded reptiles essentially freeze up—not dead, just temporarily paralyzed. It’s a condition called cold-stunning, and it turns these usually agile creatures into easy-to-catch statues. But here’s where it gets controversial: Florida’s green iguanas aren’t native to the state; they’re invasive. And this is the part most people miss—their presence can wreak havoc on local ecosystems and infrastructure. According to the Florida Wildlife Commission, these iguanas dig burrows that damage roads and buildings, and their droppings can spread infections to humans while fouling docks, boats, and even swimming pools.
So, when a cold snap hit the Sunshine State on January 30, wildlife officials took an unusual step: they issued an executive order allowing residents to collect these immobilized iguanas and bring them to wildlife centers. Normally, this task is reserved for professionals, but with the iguanas too cold to resist, it became a community effort. By February 4, over 5,000 iguanas had been turned in—a staggering number that highlights both the problem and the public’s willingness to help. Now, as temperatures rise, the order has ended, but the debate over how to manage these invasive species continues.
But here’s the bigger question: Is humane euthanasia or relocation the best solution, or should we explore other methods to control their population? And what does this say about our responsibility to manage invasive species in the first place? Watch the video to learn more about why iguanas can’t handle the cold, and then let us know your thoughts in the comments. Do you think Florida’s approach was justified, or is there a better way to handle this scaly situation?
If you’re hungry for more animal news, check out these fascinating stories:
- WATCH — Why a tiny deer and a large rhino went head-to-head (https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-why-a-tiny-deer-and-a-large-rhino-went-head-to-head)
- WATCH — Why robot rabbits are being used to catch snakes in Florida (https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-why-robot-rabbits-are-being-used-to-catch-snakes-in-florida)
- Can you unscramble these award-winning youth wildlife photos? (https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/can-you-unscramble-these-award-winning-youth-wildlife-photos)
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TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
About the Author: Manny Brennan is a Grade 9 student from East Hants, Nova Scotia, with a passion for the environment and a budding interest in the arts. His work with CBC Kids News brings unique perspectives to young readers across Canada.
