What happens to iguanas in Florida during winter?
Have you ever heard about the curious phenomenon that happens to iguanas when the weather gets chilly in South Florida? It’s quite a sight! When temperatures drop below a certain point, you might spot cold-stunned iguanas tumbling out of trees. It sounds strange. But there’s actually a scientific explanation behind it! In Florida, the green iguana is the most common type you’ll encounter. Originally from Central and South America, these charming reptiles have made quite a home in the Sunshine State, although they’re considered invasive.
Iguanas in the cold
So, what’s the deal with iguanas and the cold? Like all reptiles, they struggle when the temperatures dip. Being cold-blooded means they depend on the sun or their surroundings to keep their bodies warm. When it gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, those little guys feel sluggish and out of sorts. And when things get even chillier, down into the mid-40s, they can go into a dormant state, which can look scary as they may fall off their comfy perches up in the trees! But don’t worry; they’re not dead! They’re just in a temporary state of hibernation, conserving their energy until things warm up again. Just think of them as taking a cozy nap until the sun shines brighter! Typically, it’s rare for temperatures in South Florida to stay in the 40s for long, but it happens occasionally.
What is the problem with iguanas
Adult male iguanas can grow quite impressive, reaching lengths of about 5 feet and weighing up to 20 pounds. While those sizes might be less standard in their native habitats, they thrive in sunny Florida without natural predators and with plenty of food! Interestingly, many iguanas have gotten clever about dealing with cold weather. They often dig deep burrows to keep warm, and many prefer to hang out near large bodies of water a bit warmer than the chilly air surrounding them. Their burrowing activity often leads to the destruction of infrastructure and erosion problems in developed areas. It’s this damage to critical infrastructure that gives way to the need to hunt this species.
Now, let’s chat about the iguana situation in Florida! After being brought over from their homes in Central and South America, iguanas, like the green iguana, started causing a stir. Sadly, they’ve become not just a quirky sight but also a bit of a problem, causing structural damages and even power outages.
You might find them munching on garden plants, lounging in pools, or even popping up in the most unexpected places, like toilets! Plus, they can carry salmonella, which concerns pets and their owners. With iguana populations on the rise, they disrupt the lives of native wildlife, including our beloved gopher tortoises and sea turtles. To tackle this issue, Florida banned keeping iguanas as pets in 2021, recognizing that one female can lay up to 70 eggs in a year! Interestingly, like other invasive species, iguanas aren’t protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws. With landowner permission, they can be humanely removed. So, whether you find them quirky or a bit troublesome, there’s no denying that iguanas have established a unique presence in Florida, adapting in fascinating ways to their environment!
You can help be a part of the solution by hunting Iguanas in South Florida.
Hunt Iguanas in Florida
Click here to learn more about what a guided iguana hunt entails, and feel free to book your iguana hunt through this link.
