Experts Issue Warning About Falling Iguanas In Florida

When temperature levels decrease in Florida, so do the iguanas.

Meteorologists are predicting a cold spell in Florida and various other components of the Southeast with following week and, with it, a possible increase in dropping iguanas.

The cold-blooded animals generally stay in treetops in the Sunshine State yet often tend to lose consciousness when temperature levels go down.

As an outcome, the hibernating reptiles shed their holds on branches or roofs and be up to the ground or on an unfortunate passerby.

Considering that iguanas can mature to 5 feet long and evaluate as long as 25 extra pounds, it’s not surprising that that professionals are providing a cautioning concerning the prospective opportunity of injury from drizzling reptiles.

Joe Wasilewski, a biologist and iguana specialist, told Patch in 2022 that if the temperature level is under 40 levels, “it’s gonna happen. If it’s in the 50s, they’re slow. If it’s in the 40s, they’re on the brink of falling. And if it’s in the 30s, they’re down.”

Wasilewski claimed dropping iguana period is frequently a shock to snowbirds and transplants.

“When it gets cold like this, it’s funny to those who aren’t from here to see the newspeople talking about iguanas falling from trees, but it can and will happen,” he claimed.

Michael Ronquillo, a specialist iguana cleaner, recommends individuals reduce the opportunity of dropping iguanas by trimming back trees from rooftops, covering trees with product that the animals can not grasp or by mounting phony owls as a deterrent.

If you do face a passed-out iguana, Ronquillo recommends calling a specialist as opposed to eliminating the pet on your own.

“As soon as it warms up, it will begin to move normally again,” he told NBC Miami.

“If they are cornered, they will defend themselves. They will try to tail-whip you. They can whip their tales at 30 mph,” he included. “They have very sharp teeth, very sharp nails, so if you don’t have experience, you should not attempt to grab them.”