During the last days of winter, Florida activated a special operation to capture frozen green iguanas following an unusual cold snap recorded between February 1 and 2. As a result, more than 5,000 iguanas were removed from the state’s ecosystems, with the participation of citizens, state personnel, and authorized partners.
The measure was implemented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in response to Executive Order 26-03, which temporarily allowed the collection of green iguanas without a permit, considering them an invasive species that poses environmental, economic, and public health risks.
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More than 5,000 iguanas removed from Florida’s ecosystems
At its February meeting held in Tallahassee, the FWC reported that 5,195 invasive green iguanas were captured during the cold weather period when the reptiles were stunned or immobilized by the cold.
Of the total specimens collected:
- 3,882 iguanas were delivered at the Sunrise collection point
- 1,075 in Tequesta
- 215 in Marathon
- 23 in Fort Myers
The authorities clarified that the executive order has already concluded and that live green iguanas are no longer accepted from the public at the drop-off centers.
What did Florida do with the captured iguanas?
After the operation concluded, the FWC coordinated with special permit holders the transfer of some live iguanas, which were sent for specialized care or sold out of state, in accordance with current regulations.
However, the agency specified that the specimens that could not be transferred were humanely euthanized by trained personnel, following animal welfare protocols.
Warning to the population: do not take frozen iguanas home
The FWC issued an alert to Florida residents to avoid bringing cold-stunned iguanas into their homes with the intention of warming them up. Authorities explained that these reptiles can recover quickly and, once active, can act defensively, using their tails, claws, and sharp teeth.
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Why Florida allows the capture and slaughter of green iguanas?
Green iguanas are classified as an invasive species in Florida due to their negative impact on ecosystems and urban infrastructure. According to the FWC, these animals:
- They damage residential and commercial gardens.
- They dig burrows that cause erosion and collapses in sidewalks, foundations, and seawalls.
- They contaminate public spaces with excrement.
- They affect native and endangered species, such as the Miami blue butterfly.
- They can transmit Salmonella to humans.
In protected areas such as Bahía Honda State Park, it has been documented that iguanas consume key plants for endangered endemic species.
