02/04/2026
❄️ South Florida’s cold snap has left green thousands of iguanas immobilized — a rare sight as these reptiles, usually thriving in the heat, freeze in the chill. Once they warm up, they regain their mobility. However, many residents see them as a nuisance and are calling for their extermination while they are in this vulnerable state. The state has collected 5000 that will be killed.
People complain that they burrow under their sidewalks when it's cold. And that they eat certain plants or flowers from their landscaping. There is also some correlation to the Anoles lizard, the native lizard of Florida, who is being encroached upon.
So it seems important to mention that all creatures offer value to the ecosystem.
🦎 Green iguanas play an important role in the ecosystem:
* They help disperse seeds from fruits they eat, supporting native plants.
* Their burrows can provide shelter for other wildlife, like rabbits, lizards, and small mammals.
* They are a food source for predators, including birds of prey and large snakes, contributing to natural food webs.
🌿 Complaints about iguanas often focus on minor annoyances — fallen branches, garden plants, or their sheer numbers — but their ecological contributions are real and valuable. Even invasive species like iguanas can provide benefits, especially in disturbed urban and suburban habitats.
💡 This cold snap is a reminder: ecosystems are complex. Every animal, native or not, has a role — and survival isn’t just about human convenience. Respecting their place in the world matters, even if it challenges our expectations.