Cold weather brings ‘falling iguanas’
Found a comatose iguana?
Do not attempt to resuscitate the “sleeping” reptile.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a message for the public on how cold weather can impact wildlife and what to do — and what not to do — if you encounter nonnative green iguanas in your backyard.
“When temperatures near freezing or drop below, nonnative green iguanas and other nonnative reptiles can go into a state of torpor, temporarily losing muscle control. This can cause green iguanas to fall from trees or other vegetation,” FWC’s website states.
Those finding the chilled and motionless reptiles should not bring them into homes or vehicles to warm them.
“As iguanas recover, they can quickly become defensive, using their sharp teeth and claws and powerful tails,” FWC states.
Green iguanas are a Prohibited Species in Florida.
As of Jan. 7, a new rule change went into affect concerning the species. Visit https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/rule-changes/ for more information.
Property owners experiencing damage from iguanas also can find guidance on discouraging them from their property at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.