Overview
- An Arctic air mass dropped readings to near or below freezing in parts of Florida, including 31–32°F in Marion and northern Sumter counties.
- Residents and local media documented iguanas falling from trees and lying motionless during the coldest periods.
- Green iguanas, an invasive species, experience severe metabolic slowdown below roughly 40–50°F, which can temporarily paralyze muscles and cause them to lose their grip.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warns the reptiles can revive quickly and act defensively, advising people to avoid handling them and to contact pest-control services for removal.
- Forecasts call for a warmup into the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit later this week, when most affected iguanas are expected to recover.