Florida Residents Given Permission to Humanely Kill Frozen Iguanas
As a rare cold snap grips Florida, residents are being given the unusual permission to humanely kill stunned, invasive iguanas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has stopped accepting the cold-blooded reptiles at its offices after receiving over 2,000 of them, reportedly due to the freezing temperatures.
The FWC announced on social media that it is no longer accepting green iguanas at its offices, stating that temporary regulations allowing transport of the animals to FWC offices were only in effect on February 1st and 2nd. However, residents are still permitted to humanely kill iguanas on their own property, or with the property owner’s permission.
The situation stems from what has been described as a “rain of iguanas,” where the reptiles fall from trees as they become immobilized by the cold. Miami experienced its coldest February start on record, with temperatures nearing freezing and even snowfall in some parts of central and southern Florida, including Cape Coral, Tampa, and Sarasota.
While iguanas are considered an invasive species in Florida – one of over 600 non-native species impacting the state’s environment and economy – the FWC reminds the public that state laws regarding animal cruelty still apply. The FWC stated that members of the public may humanely kill green iguanas year-round on their property or with the owner’s permission.
Authorities caution against bringing the frozen iguanas indoors, warning that they can recover more quickly than expected. Once revived, the iguanas may act defensively, utilizing their powerful tails as whips and employing their sharp claws and teeth.
The FWC’s executive director, Roger Young, reported receiving over 2,000 iguanas due to the record-breaking cold. The state issued an executive order temporarily allowing residents to transport the live, but paralyzed, animals to FWC offices.
The FWC also noted that possessing or transporting iguanas is prohibited under state law.
