In early February, Florida experienced significantly low temperatures that led to the falling of green iguanas from trees and elevated structures. Many of these reptiles succumbed to the cold, becoming trapped in branches where they began to decompose before plummeting to the ground, causing alarm among local residents. The unusual sight of rotten iguanas has sparked curiosity and concern within the community, highlighting the impact of severe weather conditions on local wildlife.

The National Weather Service reported that iguanas, being cold-blooded reptiles, rely heavily on ambient heat to regulate their bodily functions. When the temperature drops to around 44°F (7°C) or lower, these animals enter a state of deep lethargy or light hibernation. In this condition, they lose muscle strength and their gripping ability, ultimately resulting in their falling from the branches where they typically rest. This phenomenon has not only surprised residents but has also raised questions about climate extremes and their effects on non-native species in Florida.

In response to the situation, state authorities have initiated a special operation to manage the dead iguanas, having already removed over 5,000 of them. The incident underscores the challenges that fluctuating weather patterns pose to wildlife and raises awareness about the ecological dynamics at play in ecosystems that include non-native species like the green iguana. The need for wildlife management strategies becomes evident in the face of changing climate conditions that threaten the delicate balance between species and their environments in regions such as Florida.