FWC Collects 5,195 Cold-Stunned Iguanas in South Florida

Key information

The FWC news release announced Feb. 4 that 5,195 cold-stunned green iguanas were turned in at four designated drop-off locations during the two-day permit-free collection window under Executive Order 26-03.

FWC Executive Director Roger Young credited coordinated agency staff, partner organizations and residents.

“The removal of over 5,000 of these nonnative lizards in such a short time span was only possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of many staff members in multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners and, of course, the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas from their properties,”

The special regulations were active for only two days; the executive order has since expired and the FWC is no longer accepting live iguana drop-offs. See the FWC news release for agency details.

Breakdown of collections by location

• Sunrise (near Fort Lauderdale): 3,882 iguanas were collected at the FWC office there — the largest single tally. (FWC news release)
• Tequesta (north of West Palm Beach): 1,075 iguanas. (FWC news release)
• Marathon (Florida Keys drop-off): 215 iguanas. (FWC news release)
• Fort Myers (Gulf Coast): 23 iguanas. (FWC news release)

What triggered the operation — the South Florida cold snap

A rapid, record-setting cold snap hit South Florida on Feb. 1, with temperatures plunging to record lows that stunned local wildlife. Miami reached about 35°F and West Palm Beach about 30°F on Feb. 1, breaking records dating to 1909 (Fox News coverage).

Green iguanas become cold-stunned — entering torpor and sometimes falling from trees — when air temperatures drop below roughly 45°F. They can become immobile for hours but often recover when warmed. (FWC news release)

How the FWC handled collected animals

FWC staff transferred collectible iguanas to authorized permit holders, and some animals were moved to holders who may legally sell them out of state. Others were humanely euthanized by trained personnel because green iguanas are a prohibited species in Florida. (FWC news release; PopSci article; Fox News coverage).

Public guidance: The FWC reminded the public that anti-cruelty laws still apply and urged people not to warm stunned iguanas indoors. The agency advised contacting professional wildlife operators or visiting MyFWC.com/Nonnatives for help.

Why green iguanas are considered invasive and problematic

Green iguanas arrived in South Florida by the 1960s and have established breeding populations. They burrow into canal banks and seawalls, dig under docks, leave droppings on boats and pools, and otherwise damage landscaping and infrastructure. Their movement along man-made canals helps them spread across the region. (FWC news release)

Florida has recorded hundreds of nonnative species introduced largely via the pet trade; many have become established and costly to manage. The FWC lists more than 600 nonnative species statewide, with 139 established. (FWC news release)

What the operation reveals — transparency and logistics

The mass collection shows how a short, clearly communicated regulatory change and public outreach can quickly produce large-scale removals. The FWC said the effort was possible because staff in multiple divisions, partners, and residents participated.

Video posted by the FWC and media outlets shows the public dropping off animals and agency staff processing large numbers. (Video)

The agency did not publish a full public tally breaking out how many iguanas were transferred versus euthanized. That gap raises questions for some observers about long-term outcomes and the handling of prohibited species collected at scale. (FWC news release; PopSci article)

Public safety and animal handling guidance

FWC cautions: Even when stunned, iguanas can bite, scratch or lash with their tails — use care or contact professionals. They warned against attempting to warm iguanas inside homes, which can cause stress or injuries. (FWC guidance)

For ongoing problems, residents are directed to professional wildlife operators or to MyFWC.com/Nonnatives for resources and permitted options.

Broader management context — rules, permits and the pet trade

Green iguanas are a prohibited species in Florida because of their environmental and economic impacts. That status means they cannot be possessed without a permit, and removal is allowed under specific rules. Owners and residents may remove iguanas from private property year-round if done humanely and within anti-cruelty laws. (FWC news release)

The special two-day waiver under Executive Order 26-03 was an emergency measure to allow safe, large-scale collection during an unusual weather event. The order expired after the two days. (FWC news release)

Questions for regulators and the public

Investigative observers and some animal welfare advocates have asked for more detailed reporting on outcomes: how many iguanas were euthanized versus transferred, who received the transferred animals, and whether any sales out of state occurred. FWC’s public release confirms transfers to authorized holders but does not list detailed final dispositions for each animal. (FWC news release; PopSci article)

The event highlights the tension between urgent invasive species control and transparency about wildlife disposition. It also underscores how weather extremes can create short windows for intervention that are hard to plan for in advance.

Implications for the Inland Empire, California

Economic impact

Lesson for local planners: invasive species can produce hidden costs for infrastructure and property owners. Florida’s iguana removals underline the potential price tag — repairing burrowed canal banks, seawalls and damaged landscaping can be costly. Inland Empire governments should factor invasive-species risk into public works budgets.

Political consequences

Emergency regulatory tools — such as Florida’s two-day executive order — can be effective but invite scrutiny. Inland Empire leaders could consider whether California or regional agencies need clearer emergency authorities for invasive species, or faster permitting for licensed removal.

Social effects

Public participation made the Florida operation work. In the Inland Empire, community reporting and safe, well-publicized drop-off or reporting options would be vital. Neighborhood groups and homeowner associations can help spread instructions and safety guidance.

Cultural relevance

The episode reinforces pet-ownership responsibility. Many invasive species start in the pet trade. Cultural messages that emphasize stewardship and legal pet surrender options can reduce future invasions.

Practical applications for residents

• Do not transport or release nonnative wildlife. If you find stunned or escaped exotic animals, contact local authorities and licensed wildlife control operators rather than moving them yourself.
• Local agencies should map potential dispersal pathways (canals, waterways, trade routes) and identify licensed removers who can be mobilized quickly.
• Train first responders and public works crews on safety protocols for handling invasive reptiles or other wildlife to reduce risk.
• Consider public education campaigns explaining legal surrender options, safe handling rules, and the economic costs of invasive species.

Resources and reporting

For more information on the FWC operation and guidance for the public, see the FWC operation and guidance and MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.

Media coverage and context: Fox News coverage. Background on euthanasia and animal handling during the event: PopSci article. Video of public drop-offs and agency response: YouTube video.

For questions about nonnative species management in California and local reporting procedures, Inland Empire residents should contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and their county animal control or public works offices.