Race Day Live Florida is no stranger to hot weather, but the state recently faced a cold snap that brought snow to some Southern regions.
In this unexpected chill, Florida’s warm temperatures dropped enough to make something unusual happen: iguanas fell from trees.
In a strange and cold event, green iguanas—an invasive species in Florida—lost their grip on tree branches as temperatures neared freezing, causing them to drop to the ground.
These reptiles, which are often used as a sign of how cold it is in Florida, freeze up when it gets too cold for them to function properly.
A shocking video shows this happening in North Miami Beach. On January 22, Avrohom Eliezer Friedman’s security camera caught the moment when an iguana fell from a tree, landing with a small bounce on the concrete below.
The temperature in the area was reported to be in the low 50s, according to AccuWeather.
Watch the Cold Iguana Fall, Then Get Bitten by a Cat
The footage shows the iguana falling suddenly from the tree, its legs twitching before it lays still on the driveway. But things take another twist when a cat enters the scene.
The cat carefully approaches the stunned iguana, sniffing at its tail before biting it. Surprised by the cat’s actions, the iguana and the cat both jump away from each other in the video, ending the brief interaction.
Later, it was reported that the iguana managed to slowly walk away the next morning, despite the earlier shock.
Why Do Iguanas Fall from Trees in Florida’s Cold Weather?
Green iguanas, native to warmer regions of Central and South America, have become a common sight in Florida. However, they do not handle cold temperatures well.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), when the temperature drops close to freezing, these non-native iguanas can lose control of their muscles, often resulting in them falling from trees.
The cold causes the iguanas to become immobilized. They do not freeze completely, but their bodies slow down significantly, making it hard for them to stay in place.
As a result, the iguanas often drop from trees if they are resting or sleeping. This behavior is a direct response to the cold, and while it may look alarming, the paralysis is usually temporary.
The FWC explained that green iguanas, being cold-blooded animals, cannot generate their body heat.
As temperatures fall, their circulation, heart rate, and overall body function slow down to conserve energy. This leads to the iguanas becoming unable to move or grip branches firmly.
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A Surprising, Yet Common, Winter Event in Florida
Despite the cold shock, the iguanas usually recover once the weather warms up. They typically regain their movement and return to their usual behavior when the temperature rises again.
This brief “freeze” is a normal occurrence for these reptiles, which are not built for the colder climates of Florida.
More Than Just a Strange Phenomenon
This incident highlights a unique aspect of Florida’s wildlife, where the cold can cause unusual and unexpected moments.
It’s a reminder that even in a sunny state known for its warm temperatures, the weather can still cause surprising events and change the behavior of animals in surprising ways.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
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