When do iguanas start to freeze?
Firstly, iguanas don’t exactly freeze right away.
Because the animal is cold-blooded, “when temperatures drop below a certain threshold, their metabolism slows down, and they become sluggish,” according to Iguana Control, a company specializing in removing the animal from South Florida properties.
NBC affiliate WFLA reported in 2023 that according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, iguanas slow down when the thermostat dips below 50 degrees.
They suffer a “cold stun” and may fall from trees when temperatures drop into the 40s and 30s. They could even literally freeze and die at lower temperatures.
How cold is too cold for iguanas?
Iguanas slow down when the temperature drops below 50 degrees, and they suffer a “cold stun” when it drops into the 40s and 30s. According to research, most South Florida lizards freeze up at around 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will iguanas fall from trees during this incoming cold front?
Another cold front arrives Sunday in South Florida, which will bring cooler weather Monday and even colder weather by Tuesday morning.
But the coldest morning looks to be Wednesday, when peak radiational cooling (light winds, clear skies, low humidity) will allow even Miami to dip into the mid-50 degrees.
That’s probably not enough to stun an iguana.
But in the suburbs, where it could be five degrees colder, one or two spots may briefly dip into the 40s. That’s when, depending on how early you wake up, you may find that it rained iguanas.
What do I do with a frozen iguana?
While the green reptiles may look dead, it’s best to leave them be—and don’t bring them into your home because once the temperatures heat back up, they’ll be revived and start to walk around.
Residents who encounter a stunned iguana can also humanely kill the animal if they’re able to, according to the FWC.
Conclusion
As the temperatures drop in South Florida, it’s essential to be aware of the impact it has on the invasive green iguana population. While they may not freeze immediately, they can still suffer from a “cold stun” and fall from trees. If you find a frozen iguana, it’s best to leave it alone and let it revive once the temperatures heat back up.
FAQs
Q: What temperature does an iguana start to freeze?
A: Iguanas slow down when the temperature drops below 50 degrees, and they suffer a “cold stun” when it drops into the 40s and 30s.
Q: Will iguanas fall from trees during this incoming cold front?
A: The coldest morning is expected to be Wednesday, with temperatures possibly dipping into the mid-50 degrees. However, in the suburbs, it could briefly drop into the 40s, which may cause iguanas to fall from trees.
Q: What should I do with a frozen iguana?
A: Leave it alone and don’t bring it into your home. Once the temperatures heat back up, it will revive and start to walk around. You can also humanely kill the animal if you’re able to, according to the FWC.
Q: Are iguanas adapting to the changing temperatures?
A: Research suggests that Florida’s falling iguana phenomenon could be rarer in the future due to climbing global temperatures from unchecked climate change and a shift in cold hardiness in the lizards themselves.
