FLORIDA — A sudden, unseasonably cold stretch is triggering a strange scene across Florida: iguanas are becoming so cold-stunned that they appear “frozen,” go immobile, and drop from trees, prompting some residents to collect them by the armload, according to reports circulating in recent coverage.
The reports describe the phenomenon as a predictable reaction from cold-blooded reptiles when temperatures plunge. Iguanas rely on outside warmth to regulate their body temperature. When a cold snap hits hard enough, they can become temporarily paralyzed, losing their grip in trees and falling to the ground—sometimes in large numbers.
Why iguanas “freeze” during Florida cold snaps
Iguanas are cold-blooded, meaning their bodies slow down dramatically when air temperatures drop. The coverage describes them becoming immobile during sharp cold periods, which can make them look lifeless even if they are not. The key detail is that the paralysis is tied to temperature: as conditions warm, iguanas can regain movement.
That’s why the scenes described in the reports often show iguanas being picked up from yards, sidewalks, and open areas beneath trees. The reptiles are not “raining” from the sky, but rather losing their ability to hold on while perched above ground.
What’s happening on the ground
The coverage describes Floridians gathering iguanas in piles and loading them into vehicles, with some people treating it like an unusual winter chore. In the images associated with the report, residents are shown holding large iguanas while others stand nearby with multiple reptiles collected…