🦎 Why Iguanas Are Falling from Trees in South Florida (And What It Means for Your Property)

Iguana Mama
Jan 29
2 min read

South Florida is home to sunshine, palm trees, and a growing population of green iguanas. But lately, something unusual has been happening: people are spotting iguanas falling from trees, sometimes dozens at a time.

If you’ve seen this or heard about it on the news, you’re not imagining things and there’s a scientific reason behind it.

❄️ What’s Causing Iguanas to Fall?

Green iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles, which means they depend on outside temperatures to regulate their body heat. When the weather suddenly drops below about 40°F, like during recent cold fronts in South Florida, their bodies begin to shut down.

As their metabolism slows:

Iguanas become immobile (cold-stunned).
They lose grip on branches.
And yes… they fall out of trees, looking like they’re lifeless.

The bad news? Most of these iguanas aren’t dead. Once temperatures climb back up, they often regain mobility.

🏡 Why This Matters for Homeowners

Even though this cold-weather event is temporary, it underscores a few important things every South Florida homeowner should know:

✔️

Iguanas Are Here to Stay

These invasive reptiles are well-established across Boca Raton and South Florida, and cold snaps don’t significantly slow their populations long-term...they just reveal how reliant they are on our warm climate.

✔️

Damage Can Still Happen

Iguanas love yards with trees, canals, seawalls, ponds...all common features of our neighborhoods. Whether they’re up in trees or on the ground, these lizards:

burrow under foundations and seawalls, weakening structures,
strip gardens and landscaping,
leave bacteria-laden droppings on patios, pool decks, roofs, and attics,
and can create sanitation hazards around the home.

So even a weird cold-weather spectacle like falling iguanas is a reminder that these animals impact homeowners year-round.

🛑 What NOT to Do (and I cannot stress this enough!)

If you discover a cold-stunned iguana on your property:

❌ Do not try to touch, move, or bring it inside or try to warm it up.Iguanas that are

suddenly warmed can snap awake and lash out defensively with sharp nails, teeth, and

tail whips.

❌ Do not release them elsewhere.Relocating iguanas is illegal in Florida (FWC rules) and

harmful to local ecosystems.

✔️ Best approach: call a trained wildlife professional if it’s in a risky spot.

🌿 Living With Iguanas in South Florida

Cold snaps are unusual but not unheard of here, especially in winter, and each one reminds us how deeply established iguanas have become. Despite their seemingly peaceful look, these reptiles are a serious invasive species, adapted to thrive in our environment.

And because they’re not native and invasive, they don’t just coexist, they compete with native wildlife, damage property, and create sanitation challenges for residents.

That’s why understanding their biology and behavior...from cold stuns to burrowing... helps homeowners protect their property and make informed decisions about control and prevention.

📞 Need Help?

If iguanas are invading your yard, pool deck, roof, or garden, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Reach out to Iguana Mama for humane, effective removal and advice on how to safeguard your home.