Weather forecasters in South Florida warned this week that with temperatures dropping into the 40s, residents should be wary of iguanas falling from trees.
Such advice may sound unusual, but this phenomenon is actually real because cold-blooded reptiles cannot tolerate low temperatures very well.
But while Floridians may experience the unusual sight of an iguana that suddenly falls to the ground from above them, they don’t need to be overly concerned: Fallen iguanas are still alive—even if their bodies are temporarily frozen. have entered a sick state – and they usually recover quickly.
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
Iguanas often sleep in trees during cold weather conditions, so they can fall off branches when they enter a dormant state and land on potentially uninvited passers-by.
Vivian Gonzalez, a weather anchor at Miami’s Fox-affiliated station WVSN, tweeted Regarding the possibility of iguanas falling from trees on Monday.
“We’ve entered Falling Iguana territory as temps range widely in Broward and Miami-Dade in the 40s,” wrote Gonzalez. “They slow down or freeze when temps drop and can fall from trees, but they’re not dead. Don’t get close. Once the sun’s out, they’ll walk.”
We have entered Falling Iguana territory as the temps. Broward and Miami-Dade are widely in their 40s. They slow down or become stable as the temperature rises. They can fall and fall from trees, but they are not dead. Don’t come near Once the sun is out, they will be gone. pic.twitter.com/FXdHrFbUEy
— Vivian Gonzalez (@vivian gonzalez 7) 24 January 2022
Other meteorologists joined Gonzalez and warned people from above to beware of the iguanas.
Also Eric Blake, senior hurricane specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami wrote that is it”[d]It’s definitely time for an extended-range iguana fall watch.”
Reports about the warning reached across the ocean. United Kingdom meteorologist Chris Page reported on Florida’s iguana status.
It’s been so cold in Florida, cold-blooded iguanas are literally falling from trees because their bodies slow down when the temperature drops…..which means they can’t hold on to trees and literally… Give! Don’t worry, once it heats up they’re all fine https://t.co/UnohirOPju
— chris page — weatherman (@chrispage90) 25 January 2022
Page shared a post by Tyler Rooney, a meteorologist in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that proved just how unusual the advice seems for those living outside of Florida.
“Tonight’s cold temperatures in Florida will cause iguanas to decline,” wrote Ronnie of Dakota News Now. Twitter, “It looks like this! (They’re totally fine and fine when the temperature warms back up).” He has added a lizard emoji to his tweet.
Iguana fall warnings are not new to Floridians. Residents are asked to be aware whenever the temperature in the state drops into the 50s or 40s.
February 2 – Well, that time has come again. It’s cold enough for us to predict fall iguanas here in South Florida. Watch again tonight and Wednesday night. Temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s. Brrr! #flwx pic.twitter.com/PeVRsHnZNm
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) 2 February 2021
Last February, the National Weather Service in Miami warned residents to be aware of the potential for lizards to release.
“Okay, it’s time again,” Agency tweeted those days. “It’s cold enough for us to predict iguanas will fall in South Florida.”
As strange as this kind of warning sounds, falling iguana on your head could potentially result in injury.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, green iguanas can grow to more than five feet in length and weigh up to 17 pounds. They also have sharp spines on their backs and pointed claws.