Florida residents are being granted temporary permission to remove and transport cold-stunned green iguanas without the usual permitting requirements, as an unusual cold snap grips the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued , Executive Order 26-03, in response to the forecast of frigid temperatures that cause the reptiles to become immobile.
The order, which was in effect until , allows individuals to collect the iguanas, which enter a state of torpor – a temporary period of decreased physiological activity – when temperatures drop. In this state, they lose muscle control and may fall from trees, appearing lifeless. However, they remain alive, albeit in a state of shock.
The FWC has framed the initiative as a means of humanely addressing the issue of invasive species. Green iguanas are considered a nuisance in Florida, causing damage to both residential and commercial landscapes. The agency is encouraging residents to participate in what some are calling an “iguana patrol.”
Collection and Drop-Off Points
Residents were able to drop off collected iguanas at five designated FWC locations between (9 a.m. To Noon) and (8 a.m. To 4 p.m.). These locations included:
- Tequesta: FWC Tequesta Field Lab, 19100 SE Federal Highway
- Sunrise: FWC Office, 10052 NW 53rd Street
- Marathon: FWC South Florida Regional Lab
The FWC specified that the iguanas collected could be “humanely killed or, in some cases, transferred to permittees for live animal sales.”
Safety Precautions
To minimize the risk of injury, the FWC issued specific safety recommendations for those participating in the collection effort. Residents were advised to wear gloves, long sleeves and pants to protect against scratches and bites. The agency also recommended using a cloth sack, such as a pillowcase, tied shut for transport, and then placing that sack inside a container labeled “Prohibited Reptiles.” Crucially, the FWC cautioned against bringing the cold-stunned iguanas indoors to attempt to warm them up.
Legal Framework for Reptile Possession in Florida
Generally, possessing, selling, or exhibiting wildlife in Florida requires a permit or license from the FWC. The Captive Wildlife Office regulates mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, both native and nonnative. However, certain species are designated as ‘Conditional’ or ‘Prohibited’ and are not regulated by the Captive Wildlife Office. Native species listed as Endangered or Threatened in Florida are also exempt from these regulations.
Florida law (Fla. Stat. 379.372) stipulates that capturing, keeping, possessing, or exhibiting any poisonous or venomous reptile, or any “reptile of concern,” requires a special permit or license from the FWC. This underscores the typically strict regulations surrounding reptile ownership in the state.
Broader Context: Invasive Species Management
The temporary order regarding iguanas is not an isolated incident. Florida has a long-standing struggle with invasive species, and the FWC regularly implements measures to control their populations. A separate initiative, outlined in Executive Order 23-16, allows for the removal and humane euthanization of Burmese pythons and other nonnative reptiles on 32 FWC Commission-managed lands in south and southwest Florida year-round, also without a permit. This demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the ecological damage caused by non-native reptiles.
The current situation highlights the challenges posed by climate change and its impact on wildlife. While the cold snap is unusual for Florida, it has created a unique opportunity to address the iguana population. The FWC’s response underscores the need for adaptable wildlife management strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.
The issue of invasive reptiles in Florida extends beyond ecological concerns. The illegal sale, purchase, transport, and caging of venomous reptiles, in particular, is considered a threat to public safety and can undermine legitimate captive wildlife dealers operating within the state. Regulations are in place to address these concerns, requiring permits for the possession of poisonous or venomous reptiles.
As of , the temporary order allowing for the collection of cold-stunned iguanas has expired, and it is once again illegal to transport live iguanas without a permit. The FWC continues to monitor the situation and will likely reassess its strategies for managing the invasive iguana population as needed.
