Florida euthanizes over 5,000 cold-stunned iguanas following severe winter freeze
Wildlife officials in Florida have euthanized more than 5,000 invasive green iguanas after a severe cold snap across the state caused the reptiles to freeze and fall from trees. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed on Thursday that it had completed its first officially sanctioned cull of “cold-stunned” iguanas following the plummeting temperatures earlier in the week.
The mass removal operation was enabled by an emergency executive order issued by the FWC, which established a two-day amnesty period on Sunday and Monday. During this time, members of the public and professional pest control companies were encouraged to collect the immobilized reptiles and transport them to designated state collection centers. According to official figures, 5,195 iguanas were turned in and subsequently euthanized by agency staff.
Almost all of the collection occurred in South Florida, where the tropical species is most prevalent. The largest intake was recorded at the FWC headquarters in Sunrise, which received 3,882 of the reptiles. Other collection sites included Tequesta, which processed 1,075 iguanas, Marathon in the Florida Keys with 215, and Fort Myers with 23.
Green iguanas, which are not native to Florida, are considered an invasive species that poses significant risks to the local environment and economy. They are known to cause extensive damage to infrastructure, such as seawalls and sidewalks, by burrowing, and they consume a vast amount of native vegetation. “The removal of over 5,000 of these non-native lizards in such a short time span was only possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of many staff members, our partners, and the residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC.
The cull was precipitated by a “bomb cyclone” weather system that brought freezing conditions to much of the United States, including historically low temperatures to Florida. Miami recorded a low of 35F (2C), its coldest morning since 2010. Green iguanas are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures drop below 45F, their systems begin to shut down, causing them to lose their grip on tree branches and fall to the ground in a state of suspended animation. While they appear dead, they can often remain alive in this immobilized state for several days until temperatures rise.
The FWC utilized the cold snap as a strategic opportunity to reduce the population of the species. Under normal state regulations, green iguanas are not a protected species, and homeowners are permitted to humanely kill them on their own property year-round. However, this week’s organized drop-off event marked a significant escalation in the state’s management efforts. Officials noted that any iguanas that could not be transferred to permit holders were humanely euthanized by trained personnel at the collection sites.
* popsci.com
* theguardian.com
* livenowfox.com
* theguardian.com
* columbian.com
* timesleaderonline.com
