Introduction to the Cuban Tarzan
The "Cuban Tarzan," a South Florida social media sensation, was out on Friday morning showing NBC6 how our reptilian friends respond to a strong cold front that plunged the area into the 40s.
"This is very usual. So once temperatures really hit that 40-degree mark, you can start seeing these fall out of the tree or even just become in a vegetative state, really, in the branches," Andrew Morales said.
The Cuban Tarzan’s Experience with Iguanas
Back in October, Morales went viral on Only in Dade for catching what he claims is the biggest iguana in Florida at 6 feet and 17 pounds. (Because the species is invasive, there’s no official record.) He’s often running after them, but on Friday morning, all he had to do was look up. Morales said he looks for the light complexion on their bellies to spot them high on the tree tops. "That’s where we’re gonna poke at and catch ’em," he told NBC6’s Julia Bagg as he used a long pole to poke through the leaves, live on TV.
Catching the Iguana
Bagg was saying the creature was up "higher than 15 feet, 20 feet or so," when suddenly, it dropped out of the tree right into Morales’ hands. "Oh my goodness gracious!" Bagg cried. "He came right down. Woah, that is a big guy." Morales said the iguana was a male that was cold to the touch, and that he was thankful his baseball skills came through to facilitate the catch. "A lot of these people that are just getting into this, sometimes they just knock the iguana down. And it does harm the iguana a little bit when you just drop it to the ground, so you want to have some good eye coordination," he said.
Aftermath and Advice
Morales said the larger iguana would start to warm up when temperatures climbed back into the 50s, and faster than the smaller iguanas. "It’s also less lethal for them as well," he said. Just watch out for ones falling out of the trees on their own. And if you do see them, give them space to warm up.
Conclusion
The Cuban Tarzan’s encounter with the cold-stunned iguana serves as a reminder of the impact of cold fronts on wildlife in South Florida. As the temperatures drop, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for iguanas to fall from trees and to exercise caution when handling them. By understanding and respecting these creatures, we can coexist with them and appreciate their presence in our ecosystem.
FAQs
Q: What happens to iguanas when temperatures drop to 40 degrees?
A: Iguanas can become cold-stunned and fall from trees or become immobile in branches.
Q: How can you spot iguanas in trees?
A: Look for the light complexion on their bellies, which can be seen from a distance.
Q: What should you do if you see an iguana falling from a tree?
A: Give it space to warm up and avoid handling it, as this can cause harm to the iguana.
Q: How can you help iguanas affected by cold temperatures?
A: Allow them to warm up naturally, and avoid touching or handling them, as this can cause stress and harm.
