Frozen iguanas

 

(US News) Florida weather was so cold over the weekend that frozen iguanas fell out of trees. And users on social media were only too happy (or shocked) to comment on the trending topic.

 

Tracey Douglas of Davie, Florida, about 24 miles north of Miami, encountered a frozen iguana Sunday after the season's coldest temperatures were recorded. She posted the photo on Facebook, saying, "It is cold indeed in South Florida. I found this frozen iguana on my walk with my dog this morning. Y'all stay warm and bundled up."

 

Douglas later reported, "I am happy to report that the frozen iguana is no longer where I saw him earlier. One of the kids said they saw him moving so it's likely the sun warmed it up, and it's once again full of life."

 

 

When it feels like it’s freezing in the Sunshine State, the term "frozen iguanas" comes up. That's when the invasive species fall from trees or end up on sidewalks stunned from the cold. It happens when temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s. But not to worry, the paralysis is temporary.

 

Iguanas are known to thrive in Florida's warm climate, and they like to sleep in trees. When temperatures hit below freezing, the 30s or 40s, that slows them down or immobilizes them. Freezing is below 32 degrees. They stiffen up and lose their grip on branches — hence, the "falling iguanas" reference.

 

The frozen iguanas can remain paralyzed on the ground for hours until the weather warms up enough to let their blood thaw.