'Iguana Alarm' in Florida: Beware of Falling Iguanas

florida - Authorities in the US state of Florida have issued a warning to residents about falling iguanas due to the cold temperatures

Residents of the American state Florida have been warned by authorities about falling iguanas. This is not the first time. Two years ago, the Florida weather service issued a similar warning. Iguanas are not native to Florida - they are exotic species - and are not accustomed to the low temperatures that occur there from time to time.

Mid-January is expected to bring temperatures in parts of the US that are more than 15 degrees lower than average. This has led to iguanas falling from trees again this year.

The falling reptiles have created sad scenes. Photos and videos circulating on social media show the creatures slowly losing their grip and landing mercilessly on the ground. Sometimes they lie motionless on the ground for hours. They appear dead, but not always. Sometimes they revive after a few hours, as the ambient temperature rises again. However, for younger animals, it can be fatal.

The green iguanas are originally from Central and South America and were imported as pets to Florida in the middle of the last century. The cold is usually not dangerous for the animals. If the temperature doesn't drop too low or last too long, the animals usually recover from their cold-induced coma.

Other cold-blooded animals native to Florida, such as snakes and crocodiles, have their own methods to survive the cold. They typically find a spot underground, in water, or in a pile of leaves where they can retain their warmth.