Falling Iguanas Are Making Headlines in Florida

Residents and visitors in Florida are being advised about the possibility of falling iguanas due to extreme drops in the sunshine state's winter temperatures. Iguanas suffer from the negative effects of the cold weather. When the temperature drops below the mid-40s iguanas are often stunned from the cold and go into a dormant state. When cold weather occurs iguanas often fall from the trees where they usually perch.

Danger To Iguanas From Extreme Cold

Residents in the Southeast and Gulf Coast states are preparing for a significant temperature drop which could cause the iguanas to fall from the trees. Through January 12th the risk of sub-freezing temperatures may affect areas as far north as Raleigh and Nashville. The widespread cold temperatures are expected to run at least 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit below typical temperatures for early January. Temperatures lower than normal are projected to expand across most sections of the central and eastern United States. If the current cold wave expands to its full potential the maximum temperature drop could be as much as 30 to 40 degrees below the historic average from areas of the Northern Plains and Midwest to interior sections of the Southeastern states during the first two weeks of January.

Arctic air moving across Florida will result in highs in the 50s on Tuesday. On Wednesday residents can expect temperatures in the lower 40s with some 30s which will be a drastic change for the area. The dramatic change in temperature and extremely cold air can be hazardous for Green Iguanas who are cold-blooded reptiles. These animals. These creatures become immobile during temperature drops and may become lethargic and lose their grip on a branch when temperatures drop below what they can tolerate.

Why Cold Temperatures Hurt Iguanas

Green Iguanas originated in South and Central America and don't adapt well to temperatures that drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The reptiles usually get lethargic or sluggish when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. If the temperature drops below the mid-40 range the lizards go into a cold-stunned or dormant state and sometimes fall out of the trees when they're sleeping. They may appear to have died. However, they're still breathing, and bodily functions are working properly. The forecast in Miami on Tuesday was expected to be no lower than 50 degrees while Tampa, Orlando, and inland regions that are further north are expected to fall below the critical 45 degrees on Wednesday night. Tampa is expected to hit 35 degrees on Thursday night.

Conservation biologists say that people who aren't residents of Florida may think it's funny for news people to be talking about iguanas falling from trees. However, it's a common occurrence when temperatures drop significantly. When Green Iguanas reach maturity they may weigh up to 25 pounds and reach five feet in length. When large iguanas fall from trees they may suffer injuries and unsuspecting humans who don't anticipate raining reptiles could suffer injuries. Often, people think they have to rescue iguanas they see lying on the ground. May wildlife conservation specialists and game wardens follow the rule "If you care, leave it there." Prolonged exposure to extreme cold could be fatal for reptiles and it's best to contact a professional ith knowledge of the animals. Iguanas usually recover from the cold when temperatures rise to approximately 50 degrees. Well-meaning people can do more harm than good by trying to care for iguanas when they aren't familiar with the animals.

Taking Precautions For People and Animals

Professional iguana experts specialize in reptile removal. An iguana control expert stated they've been handling situations with iguanas falling from trees for years. The reptiles climb trees to sleep but get cold and lose their grip on the branches and fall to the ground. Some iguanas that have fallen weigh as much as 25 pounds and are up to six feet in length. Large iguanas that fall from trees can be dangerous to people and other animals. People walking their dogs early in the morning may not be aware of the danger and should be alert. The iguanas may fall on people, animals, or on the roofs of cars.

A professional iguana remover in Florida says there are precautions you can take before the temperature drops. Trimming tree branches and wrapping trees can discourage the iguanas from climbing them. He also warned against people attempting to handle the reptiles since they may get defensive as they warm up and start to move. Although residents of South Florida aren't overly fond of iguanas they aren't aggressive and don't attack people or other animals, so they aren't considered a threat. It's essential not to handle droppings from an iguana since they contain salmonella bacteria.