When temperatures drop in Florida, so do the iguanas.
Meteorologists are predicting a cold spell in Florida and other parts of the Southeast through next week and, with it, a potential rise in falling iguanas.
The cold-blooded creatures commonly live in treetops in the Sunshine State but tend to pass out when temperatures drop.
As a result, the hibernating lizards lose their grips on branches or rooftops and fall to the ground or on an unfortunate passerby.
Considering that iguanas can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh as much as 25 pounds, it’s no wonder that experts are issuing a warning about the potential chance of injury from raining reptiles.
Joe Wasilewski, a biologist and iguana expert, told Patch in 2022 that if the temperature is under 40 degrees, “it’s gonna happen. If it’s in the 50s, they’re slow. If it’s in the 40s, they’re on the brink of falling. And if it’s in the 30s, they’re down.”
Wasilewski said falling iguana season is often a shock to snowbirds and transplants.
“When it gets cold like this, it’s funny to those who aren’t from here to see the newspeople talking about iguanas falling from trees, but it can and will happen,” he said.
Michael Ronquillo, a professional iguana remover, suggests people minimize the chance of falling iguanas by trimming back trees from rooftops, wrapping trees with material that the creatures can’t grip or by installing fake owls as a deterrent.
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If you do run into a passed-out iguana, Ronquillo suggests calling a professional rather than removing the animal yourself.
“As soon as it warms up, it will begin to move normally again,” he told NBC Miami.
“If they are cornered, they will defend themselves. They will try to tail-whip you. They can whip their tales at 30 mph,” he added. “They have very sharp teeth, very sharp nails, so if you don’t have experience, you should not attempt to grab them.”