(Miami,February 4,2026) – Iguanas in Florida are experiencing high casualty rates,according to recent reports. The reports originate from social media posts referencing impacts in Miami and fort Lauderdale.
Iguanas in Florida are facing increased deaths, with reports surfacing from major metropolitan areas.
- Reports indicate iguanas are suffering casualties in Florida.
- The impacts are being observed in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
- The hashtag #climaextremo (extreme climate) is associated with the reports.
Iguanas are experiencing casualties in Florida, notably in the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, according to a post referencing #climaextremo and BBC Mundo.
Why It Matters
The recent iguana deaths are strongly suspected to be linked to a sudden cold snap that swept through South Florida this week. Iguanas, being cold-blooded reptiles, are highly susceptible to temperature changes. When temperatures drop significantly, they become immobile, making them vulnerable to the elements and predation. While official counts are still underway, initial reports suggest hundreds of iguanas have perished in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The die-off raises concerns about potential ecological impacts,as iguanas,despite being an invasive species,have become integrated into the South Florida ecosystem. Their consumption of native plants and competition with native wildlife are ongoing concerns.
Background and Context
Iguanas are not native to Florida, originally hailing from Central and South America. They arrived in the state primarily through the pet trade, with individuals either escaping or being intentionally released into the wild. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has documented the growing iguana population as the 1960s. The FWC allows landowners to remove iguanas from their property without a permit, recognizing the damage they inflict on landscaping and native vegetation.Limited removal efforts on public lands have been undertaken, but controlling the population remains a significant challenge.
The current cold snap, which saw temperatures dip into the 40s Fahrenheit, is believed to be the primary driver of the recent deaths. Experts are monitoring the situation to assess the full extent of the impact and predict potential long-term consequences for the iguana population and the broader ecosystem. The event underscores the vulnerability of invasive species to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As of Friday afternoon, reports of iguana deaths have subsided with the return of warmer temperatures, but the full impact will likely take weeks to assess.
Time.news based this report in part on information shared via social media and added autonomous analysis and context.
