Full Breakdown
Florida's Cold Snap Triggers Massive Iguana Removal Effort
2/8/2026, 9:12:56 AM
Record Cold Leads to Iguana Collection
In early February 2026, Florida experienced a significant cold snap, with temperatures dropping to record lows—35°F in Miami and 30°F in West Palm Beach. This unusual weather caused over 5,000 invasive green iguanas to become cold-stunned, leading to a rapid response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). During a two-day period on February 1 and 2, residents were permitted to capture and turn in these reptiles without a permit, resulting in the collection of 5,195 iguanas across various drop-off locations.
Executive Order Facilitates Removal
The FWC issued Executive Order No. 26-03, which allowed the public to remove cold-stunned iguanas from their properties and deliver them to designated sites. The majority of the collected iguanas—3,882—were brought to the FWC office in Sunrise, with additional counts of 1,075 in Tequesta, 215 in Marathon, and 23 in Fort Myers. The FWC coordinated the transfer of these iguanas to licensed permit holders for potential sale outside the state, while any iguanas that could not be transferred were humanely euthanized by trained staff.
Environmental Impact of Iguanas
Green iguanas are classified as an invasive species in Florida due to their detrimental effects on local ecosystems and economies. Roger Young, FWC Executive Director, emphasized the importance of this removal effort, stating, "As an invasive species, green iguanas have negative impacts on Florida’s environment and economy." The FWC has noted that iguanas can cause significant damage to native vegetation and infrastructure.
Public Participation and Safety Concerns
The success of the iguana collection was attributed to the active participation of residents, who reported sightings of cold-stunned iguanas in their yards and neighborhoods. However, the FWC cautioned against bringing these reptiles indoors to warm them up, as they can recover quickly and may act defensively. Young advised, "If you encounter a cold-stunned green iguana, you should never bring it into your home or building to warm up."
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the successful removal campaign, some residents expressed concerns about the humane treatment of iguanas. While the FWC follows state-approved humane methods for euthanasia, there are ongoing debates about the ethics of managing invasive species through such measures. Critics argue that more sustainable solutions should be explored to address the invasive iguana population.
Conclusion and Future Considerations
The FWC has since ceased accepting live iguanas from the public following the cold snap. The agency continues to encourage residents to report sightings and seek professional assistance for iguana removal. As Florida grapples with the challenges posed by invasive species, the recent cold snap has highlighted the need for ongoing management efforts to protect the state's native ecosystems.
Verbatim Quotes
- "As an invasive species, green iguanas have negative impacts on Florida’s environment and economy." — Roger Young, FWC Executive Director
- "The special regulations under EO 26-03 provided a unique opportunity for members of the public to remove cold-stunned green iguanas from their property." — Roger Young, FWC Executive Director
- "If you encounter a cold-stunned green iguana, you should never bring it into your home or building to warm up." — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
