This blog post examines a recent, attention-grabbing sighting in Boca Raton, Florida, where an iguana appeared frozen during an unusually cold snap.
I summarize what happened, explain the biological process behind the behavior, and offer context and practical advice based on decades of experience working with reptiles and wildlife in subtropical regions.
What happened in Boca Raton?
A mass of cold air moved across the eastern United States, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season to Florida and even producing new low-temperature records at several locations.
On that Tuesday, a resident of Boca Raton photographed an iguana that was motionless on a tree limb — a striking visual that prompted questions about the animal’s condition.
Cold-stunning: why iguanas appear frozen
The iguana’s condition is a classic example of cold-stunning, a physiological response seen in cold-blooded animals when ambient temperatures drop rapidly.
When air temperatures fall into the 40s Fahrenheit, iguanas and other reptiles lose muscle control and coordination; they can hang limply in trees, fall, or appear lifeless to casual observers.
The animal’s metabolism slows, muscle function becomes impaired, and the reptile enters a near-paralytic condition until warmth returns.
Why this matters: non-native species and sudden cold snaps
Florida’s iguana populations are largely composed of non-native species that thrive in warm, tropical conditions.
Sudden cold fronts create episodic stress on these populations and reveal how vulnerable tropical-adapted animals are when exposed to atypical weather.
Ecological and management implications
From an ecological perspective, cold snaps act as natural checks on non-native reptile populations, but they also raise practical concerns for residents and wildlife managers.
Observations of “frozen” iguanas often spur public concern, media attention, and a need for coordinated responses from local wildlife agencies and rehabilitators.
How you can help
If you encounter an immobile or cold-stunned iguana, responsible action is important.
Most affected reptiles recover as conditions improve, but there are safe steps community members and homeowners can take to reduce harm.
Practical tips and resources
Here is the source article for this story: Florida iguanas “cold-stunned” by record low temperatures | Latest Weather Clips