Watch Your Head, Florida! Falling Iguanas Alert as Temperatures Plummet

Florida’s getting an unusual warning this week: watch out for falling iguanas.

When temperatures sink below the mid-40s, these lizards go into a kind of cold shock. They freeze up—literally—and sometimes just drop right out of the trees where they sleep.

It’s not just one town either. The cold snap is hitting the whole Gulf Coast and Southeast. Fort Lauderdale’s dipping to 50, Tampa to 35, and Orlando to 37. That’s well below what iguanas can handle.

Here’s why it’s happening. Green iguanas, originally brought in from Central and South America, just aren’t built for cold weather. Once it drops below 50 degrees, they slow down. Hit the mid-40s, and they almost shut down completely. You’ll see them lying motionless on the ground, looking dead—but they’re not. They’re still breathing, just waiting for the sun to warm them up again.

Orlando and Tampa already plunged below 45 degrees this week. Orlando got down to 39; Tampa saw 38 and 40 on back-to-back nights. That’s prime time for reptile rain.

And these aren’t tiny lizards either. Adult iguanas can reach five feet in length and weigh up to 25 pounds. Imagine walking your dog and having one of those land next to you—or worse, on you. They can hit cars and rooftops, too.

If you spot one on the ground, don’t try to move it. Experts say to leave stunned iguanas alone. Once the temperature climbs back above 50, they’ll usually recover and wander off. But if the cold hangs around, some won’t make it.

Experts suggest wrapping trees and cutting branches near your house to keep iguanas from climbing. And don’t touch cold-stunned iguanas—they can get feisty once they warm up.

South Floridians don’t love iguanas, but they aren’t dangerous. Iguanas are more of a nuisance than a threat. They don’t attack people or pets. Still, their droppings can carry salmonella, so it’s best to keep your distance—especially when the lizards are literally dropping in.