topic Re: Frozen Iguanas in Community Chat

Frozen Iguanas

Mindy D — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:22:08 GMT

I always get such a kick out of this phenomena. When it gets into the 40s or below here in S. Florida, iguanas start falling out of the trees. They look stiff as a board and they usually land belly up. They are usually alive but look like they are dead. As the heat of the day wears on their metabolism heats up and they start moving again. Then they scamper off as if nothing has happened. If a cold front is protracted for days they can die, but things often warm up before this. it was 37° last here night so I’m expecting to hear some stories. Stay warm and beware of falling iguanas.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

ValuSkr — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:54:54 GMT

Aren't they an invasive species in South Florida? If so, this might be a good time for control measures.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

Marp — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:56:31 GMT

Not only beware of falling iguanas don't try to handle them. If you do and it happens to be coming out of its state of suspended animation they can be quite aggressive and their teeth are nothing to take lightly.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

Mindy D — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:07:16 GMT

@ValuSkr wrote:
Aren't they an invasive species in South Florida? If so, this might be a good time for control measures.

Yes, they are invasive. I’m not sure what control measures are currently being utilized. I couldn’t hurt one myself, I know they aren’t good for the ecosystem but I’m fond of them.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

BlueFinch — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:57:46 GMT

That's fascinating, @Mindy D . Falling Igunas? That this could occur would have never crossed my mind. I have found a few Anoles, in this situation, though. I bring them in until weather is more suitable.

I had a neighbor with a huge male Iguana, named Izzy. i love all critters, large and small, but Izzy was a, NO, for me. He was very aggressive.

He had an elaborate, walk in size enclosure. One day, the door wasn't secured. Izzy decided to explore. A neighborhood APB was sent out, fearing a child, or someone's pet would fall victim to Izzy's crankiness. There were no responses.

Then, six months later, a neighbor a couple of streets over came knocking. "Are you the one with the missing Iguana? If so, you need to come get him out of my garden." After an extended vacay, Izzy wasn't happy to return home. These guys are obviously very resourceful.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

phoenixbrd — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:08:53 GMT

I would love to see this sight! Raining iguanas! I love all creatures....and, like you, would not welcome animal control. This is their means of survival, not demise. Interesting information...thanks for the share.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

CANDLEQUEEN — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:30:27 GMT

I am afraid of them. Ever since seeing them in the Carribean years ago......They are fascinating looking, but also scary to me, so I wouldn't go anywhere near them. I remember my niece used to live for 4 years in Curacao and the Iguanas were so huge, they were all over her wall in her backyard sunning themselves.......I heard about the falling ones on the news this morning!Yikes!

Re: Frozen Iguanas

Preds — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:38:18 GMT

My ex SIL lives in the Keys. She posted this. LOL Her friend in Miami sent her pictures of theirs belly up. Poor babies.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

patbz — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:45:28 GMT

In Aruba they wrangle them up and move them away from tourist areas.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

KingstonsMom — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:58:29 GMT

@Marp wrote:
Not only beware of falling iguanas don't try to handle them. If you do and it happens to be coming out of its state of suspended animation they can be quite aggressive and their teeth are nothing to take lightly.

@Marp

And in addition to their teeth, don't let one smack you with their strong tail, it hurts too!

Re: Frozen Iguanas

Peaches McPhee — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:38:29 GMT

Well, I too have a story about a frozen animal. Believe it not.

We have a small pond in our backyard, which you can see plainly from the back door. It freezes solid in winter. Last winter, there was a frog frozen in the ice. You could see its silhouette in certain lights. Felt so bad for it - poor thing freezing to death that way.

Once spring hit, the water thawed, and the frog dissappeared. We later learned that this is common - frogs "freeze" up in the winter, and go into hibernation, coming back to life in the spring.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

willdob3 — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:54:41 GMT

@Mindy D

Ive never actually seen one but I heard the “watch out for falling iguanas” warning on the bed this morning! Strange science...

Re: Frozen Iguanas

goldensrbest — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:07:53 GMT

Well let me say this would be one reason i would not live there!!!!!!!YIKES!!!!!!!!

Re: Frozen Iguanas

MarkeieMark — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:23:16 GMT

I would scream bloddy murder.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

ValuSkr — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:27:43 GMT

This sounds like a good opportunity for the state to round up the creatures and transport them back to their native environment.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

KingstonsMom — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:35:41 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
Well let me say this would be one reason i would not live there!!!!!!!YIKES!!!!!!!!

@goldensrbest

Along with the boas, pythons, anacondas, water monitors, poison frogs and fish (the Lionfish) and many many more dangerous invasive species are now living in FL.

They thrive quite well in FL's tropical environment and they are destroying a great number or proportion of the local species.

Not to forget alligators!

Re: Frozen Iguanas

KingstonsMom — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:40:28 GMT

@MarkeieMark wrote:
I would scream bloddy murder.

@MarkeieMark

Yep, I'd be all elbows and ahole, screaming like a little girl, while trying to outrun it, LOL!

Kinda like I do when I run into a spider web...one week worth of cardio in a flash!

Re: Frozen Iguanas

chrystaltree — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:44:02 GMT

Iguanas! I thought this was about frozen lasagna....LOL

Re: Frozen Iguanas

SilleeMee — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:09:39 GMT

Many kinds of reptiles have a type of natural antifreeze in their blood. That's how they can come back to life after going through a freeze. Another evolutionary marvel and one that has given them an advantage for survival of their species.

Re: Frozen Iguanas

KingstonsMom — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:34:46 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
Iguanas! I thought this was about frozen lasagna....LOL

@chrystaltree

LOL! Thanks for the chuckle. always appreciated!