Frozen Iguanas Falling From Trees in FL !!!
- hace 2 meses
The lizards go into a type of hibernation when the temperature drops below around 9 degrees C, all body functions but the heart switching off and blood flow cut to a minimum.
It means they lose their grip on branches and the creatures, which are common in the "sunshine state", plunge out of the trees.
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So-called "kamikaze" iguanas are an urban legend among Floridians but have become a common sight as temperatures have dropped almost to freezing.
"It's almost like they totally go to sleep. Generally speaking, if it warms up afterwards, they can recover," said Ron Magill of Miami Metrozoo.
The green iguana, originally from Central and South America, is not native to Florida.
It is regarded as one of the most invasive species since it was introduced into the ecosystem, probably by irresponsible pet owners, in the mid-1990s.
Some see the creatures' current predicament as an opportunity to cull the numbers of a plant-eating invader that is regarded as a fearless garden pest.
It is legal to kill iguanas in Florida but only if it is done humanely. "If somebody is looking to trap them, I guess right now would be a good time because they're not moving," said Tiffany Snow, a biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
With temperatures expected to fall even lower, many iguanas may not survive anyway, she said.
However, Mr Magill warned of the dangers of tackling the creatures in their current state.
"I knew of a gentleman who was collecting them off the street and throwing them in the back of his station wagon, and all of a sudden these things are coming alive, crawling on his back and almost causing a wreck," he said.
It means they lose their grip on branches and the creatures, which are common in the "sunshine state", plunge out of the trees.
Related Articles
Freezing temperatures: Sea frozen as cold weather grips Britain
Second World War: Frozen to death by the Fuhrer
Energy gap means nuclear power is a must
Dinosaurs the 'couch potatoes' of prehistoric world
Swine flu: share gains and falls look overdoneThe lizards, which can grow up to five feet long, then lie grey and appear dead until the temperature rises again, at which time they usually revive.
So-called "kamikaze" iguanas are an urban legend among Floridians but have become a common sight as temperatures have dropped almost to freezing.
"It's almost like they totally go to sleep. Generally speaking, if it warms up afterwards, they can recover," said Ron Magill of Miami Metrozoo.
The green iguana, originally from Central and South America, is not native to Florida.
It is regarded as one of the most invasive species since it was introduced into the ecosystem, probably by irresponsible pet owners, in the mid-1990s.
Some see the creatures' current predicament as an opportunity to cull the numbers of a plant-eating invader that is regarded as a fearless garden pest.
It is legal to kill iguanas in Florida but only if it is done humanely. "If somebody is looking to trap them, I guess right now would be a good time because they're not moving," said Tiffany Snow, a biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
With temperatures expected to fall even lower, many iguanas may not survive anyway, she said.
However, Mr Magill warned of the dangers of tackling the creatures in their current state.
"I knew of a gentleman who was collecting them off the street and throwing them in the back of his station wagon, and all of a sudden these things are coming alive, crawling on his back and almost causing a wreck," he said.