Florida's Cold Snap Triggers Euthanasia of Over 5,000 Invasive Iguanas

In early February 2026, a rare cold snap in Florida led to the unusual phenomenon of iguanas falling from trees as temperatures plunged below freezing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that over 5,000 invasive green iguanas were collected and euthanized during this period. The FWC issued Executive Order 26-03, allowing residents to capture cold-stunned iguanas without a permit and bring them to designated drop-off locations on February 1 and 2. The order was a response to the iguanas entering a state of torpor, where they lose muscle control and become immobilized in cold temperatures.

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During the two-day collection period, a total of 5,195 iguanas were brought to FWC offices across South Florida. The majority, 3,882 iguanas, were delivered to the FWC headquarters in Sunrise, followed by 1,075 in Tequesta, 215 in Marathon, and 23 in Fort Myers. The FWC emphasized that the removal of these iguanas was crucial due to their status as an invasive species, which poses significant threats to Florida's environment and economy. Roger Young, FWC Executive Director, stated, “As an invasive species, green iguanas have negative impacts on Florida’s environment and economy.”

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The cold weather not only affected iguanas but also caused substantial economic damage, particularly to Florida's agricultural sector. AccuWeather estimated that the cold snap could result in a $13 billion to $15 billion hit to the state's economy, with 8-10% of the current citrus crop potentially destroyed or severely damaged. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has called for a disaster declaration to assist affected farmers.

Florida euthanizes 5,000 iguanas after cold snap stuns the invasive reptiles

While the FWC's actions were aimed at controlling the invasive iguana population, some residents expressed concerns about the humane treatment of the animals. Wildlife experts warned against bringing cold-stunned iguanas into homes, as they can recover quickly and may act defensively. The FWC reiterated that iguanas should never be handled without proper precautions, as they can pose health risks due to potential salmonella in their saliva.

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Following the collection period, the FWC announced that they would no longer accept iguanas at their offices, reverting to existing regulations that require permits for the removal of live iguanas. Residents are still permitted to humanely kill iguanas on their property year-round. The FWC continues to prioritize invasive species management, as the iguana population remains a significant ecological concern in Florida.

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• “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 in multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners, and of course the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas from their properties.” — Roger Young, Executive Director, FWC

Florida euthanizes 5,000 iguanas after cold snap stuns the invasive reptiles

• “This recent freeze may have destroyed or severely damaged 8-10% of the current citrus crop on the trees.” — Joel Myers, Founder, AccuWeather

Florida euthanizes 5,000 iguanas after cold snap stuns the invasive reptiles

While the FWC reported the collection of 5,195 iguanas, some local trappers estimated that many more iguanas remained uncollected. Additionally, there are varying opinions on the long-term effectiveness of this culling effort, with some experts suggesting that without ongoing management, the iguana population could rebound quickly.

FWC releases frozen iguana counts after weather-driven executive order

The cold snap in Florida has highlighted the challenges of managing invasive species while balancing ecological health and economic impacts.

Over 5,000 cold-stunned iguanas turned in across South Florida. Trappers remove thousands more