Iguanas

Over 5,000 cold-stunned iguanas turned in across South Florida. Trappers remove thousands more

Sofia Zarran

The record-breaking cold snap that hit Florida over the weekend had South Floridians shivering - and iguanas cold-stunned. Trappers collected thousands of iguanas, and thousands more were turned into the The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in just two days.

An iguana lies frozen near a walking path in Key Biscayne, Fla. as temperatures plummeted, Feb. 1, 2026. The reptiles can re-animate once warmer weather returns.

Weather

Iguanas stunned, power disrupted as record cold grips Key Biscayne

Tony Winton | Key Biscayne Independent

By at least one measure, Key Biscayne suffered the coldest morning in its history Sunday, as an Arctic blast gripped the island with weather that left iguanas paralyzed and some people powerless.

The colorful head of the Peter’s rock agama, which has spread across Florida, sets it apart from native lizards. It can range from red to orange. The colorful head of the Peter’s rock agama, which has spread across Florida, sets it apart from native lizards. It can range from red to orange.

Environment

How a turf war between lizards in Florida impacts mosquitoes and maybe your health

Denise Hruby | Miami Herald

Researchers are looking at the role a tiny lizard plays in protecting us from mosquito-borne diseases.

In this Jan. 22, 2020 photo, an iguana is shown laying on the ground near South Pointe Park in Miami Beach, Fla, during a spell of cold weather.

Environment

Fewer falling iguanas in Florida’s future? Reptile invaders may be adapting to cold

Alex Harris | Miami Herald

Ongoing research suggests Florida’s falling iguana phenomenon could happen less often as lizards adapt to the effects of climate change.

The Galápagos land iguana is making a comeback on Santiago Island. Conservationists say the species is showing signs of being successfully reintroduced.

An island in the Galápagos reintroduced iguanas after nearly 200 years of extinction

Dustin Jones

The Galápagos land iguana is back on Santiago Island. That's thanks to some help from a team of conservationists.

Brian Wood holds an iguana he caught near The Danians Condo in Dania Beach, Florida on Monday, October 28, 2019.

Radio

Juneteenth poetry, Frost Chopin Festival, Wildlife Thursday: Iguanas

Leslie Ovalle Atkinson, Caitie Muñoz

A spoken word, poetry and music festival to commemorate Juneteenth. Plus, a celebration of Chopin. And iguanas are a nuisance in South Florida — we meet a man attempting to minimize the invasive species.

Tegu and green iguana pet owners will be breaking the law if they don’t microchip and get a permit for their pets by July 28. To help with that effort, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting ‘Tag Your Reptile Day’ events. There, owners can get their reptiles chipped for free.

FWC To Pet Owners: Tag Your Tegus... And Your Green Iguanas, Too!

Robbie Gaffney

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting events to help tegu and green iguana owners get their pets microchipped before July 28. After that date, owners would be breaking the law if their reptiles aren’t chipped and registered with the FWC.

"Like all nonnative reptile species, green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission. This species can be captured and humanely killed year-round and without a permit or hunting license on 25 public lands in south Florida," according to the FWC website.

Florida's New Invasive Reptile Rules Have Breeders Leaving And Activists Rejoicing

Jessica Meszaros

Florida’s Prohibited Species List now has 16 new high-risk nonnative reptiles added. They include Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas, Nile monitor lizards, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, and green anacondas.

This is called a gold tegu lizard. They are invasive nonnative animals, and are considered a high risk species to Florida's natural environment.

Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission Takes ‘Bold Stance’ On Non-Native Reptiles

Jim Turner / News Service of Florida

Commercial breeding of non-native tegu lizards and green iguanas in Florida will end in three years despite the objections of reptile dealers and owners warning of the potential destruction of their industry.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to ban the commercial sale of tegus and green iguanas. The creatures are invasive species that have negatively impacted Florida’s wildlife.

FWC Considers Banning Commercial Sale Of Tegus, Green Iguanas

Robbie Gaffney

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering banning people from buying tegus and green iguanas to keep as pets.

A man holds a cold-stunned iguana outside an apartment complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday. "This isn't something we usually forecast, but don't be surprised if you see iguanas falling from the trees tonight as lows drop into the 30s and 40s," the National Weather Service said Tuesday.

When Winter Hits Florida, Iguanas Fall From Trees — And Maybe Onto The Grill

Bill Chappell

"Verified the iguana warning," the National Weather Service office in Miami says. There are also reports that, much like in 2018, some people see the cold-stunned lizards as free meat.

Environment

Pesky Iguanas Cost Florida City $1.8 Million In Emergency Repairs

Associated Press

Invasive iguanas burrowing into the soft dirt around an aging dam cost a Florida city $1.8 million in emergency repairs.Employees noticed last year that…