South Florida Iguanas Could Fall as Temperatures Drop
Forecast lows near 49 degrees on Saturday, Nov. 14, could leave cold-blooded green iguanas stunned in trees.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Severe Weather
South Florida temperatures could drop to 49 degrees on Saturday, Nov. 14, prompting concern that cold-stunned green iguanas could fall from trees. Iguanas enter a statue-like state when temperatures fall into the 30s and 40s.
Why it matters
Green iguanas are a prohibited, invasive species in Florida, and the cold snap could temporarily leave them vulnerable to predators until temperatures warm. The forecast cold also extends to the Northeast and Midwest, where temperatures could fall into the 20s and 30s.
The forecast low of 49 degrees is a National Weather Service-style projection for South Florida, compared with the 30s and 40s that cause iguanas to stun, and the FWC collected 5,195 green iguanas during the Feb. 1-2, 2026 cold snap. Whether the forecast cold will reach stun-inducing levels across all of South Florida remains unresolved.
The players
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
The state agency responsible for managing Florida's wildlife, which issued the February 2026 executive order permitting removal of cold-stunned green iguanas without a permit.
The details
Cold-blooded green iguanas, which are adapted to tropical climates, become stunned and can drop from trees when temperatures reach the 30s and 40s. Cold-stunned iguanas are vulnerable to other animals until they thaw as temperatures warm.
Timeline
February 2026: FWC issued an executive order allowing permitless removal of cold-stunned green iguanas.
Feb. 1-2, 2026: FWC collected 5,195 green iguanas during a cold snap.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026: South Florida temperatures could drop to 49 degrees.
Seasonal Patterns
This forecast follows the February 2026 cold snap, when the FWC collected 5,195 green iguanas under its executive order allowing permitless removal. The November event is an early-season test of whether the same pattern of cold-stunning recurs in South Florida.
Residents who encounter cold-stunned iguanas should avoid handling them and follow FWC guidance on removal. Those who spot iguanas in trees during cold weather should be cautious around them, as they may fall without warning.
The takeaway
Cold snaps can quickly change iguana behavior, so residents should be aware of falling iguanas on cold mornings. Staying alert during the forecast Nov. 14 chill can help prevent surprise encounters.
Further reading
Explore more on severe weather across Florida.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palm Beach Daily News.
