South Florida experienced an unusual cleanup effort following a recent cold snap. The freezing temperatures caused green iguanas to become cold-stunned, leading them to fall from trees or become immobilized. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported the removal of over 5,000 iguanas. This extreme weather event prompted an emergency response.

During the cold spell, the FWC issued an executive order allowing the public to collect and deliver the reptiles to designated offices for humane disposal. This initiative aimed to manage the invasive species, which can negatively impact the local environment and economy. The agency collected nearly 4,000 iguanas at their Sunrise headquarters alone.

Experts noted that while the cold can be deadly, the extent of the impact on the iguana population depends on the duration and severity of the cold weather. Unlike the 2010 freeze, this event may not have caused a major die-off. Some iguanas recovered, but the agency does not recommend bringing them inside.

As an invasive species, green iguanas pose a threat to Florida's ecosystem, damaging vegetation and potentially competing with native species. The recent cleanup highlights the ongoing challenges of managing these reptiles, and the public's role in addressing the problem. Companies like Redline Iguana Removal helped collect the creatures.