Florida green iguana removal nets 5,195 cold-stunned reptiles in two-day exemption — a warning for California property owners
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that 5,195 invasive green iguanas were removed after a February 2026 cold snap during a two-day exemption, a coordinated effort by the public and FWC staff to protect native ecosystems.
- Total removed: 5,195 live, cold-stunned green iguanas collected Feb. 1–2, 2026.
- Primary sites: Sunrise (3,882); Tequesta (1,075); Marathon (215); Fort Myers (23); Lakeland (0).
- Authority & handling: Captures were legal only under Executive Order 26-03; animals were transferred to permitted holders or humanely euthanized by trained FWC staff.
What the FWC did and why
Florida experienced a record cold snap in late January and early February 2026 that left thousands of nonnative green iguanas cold-stunned — temporarily immobile and vulnerable. Using emergency authority in Executive Order 26-03, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission allowed private citizens and property owners (with landowner permission) to capture and transport live, cold-stunned iguanas to designated FWC offices without the permits normally required for possession.
The directive aimed to: prevent animal suffering, limit near-term environmental damage, and allow trained staff to evaluate animals for transfer or humane euthanasia. The legal collection window was intentionally tight — Feb. 1 (9 a.m.–noon) and Feb. 2 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.) — and FWC coordinated drop-off operations at four South Florida sites. For official FWC details see FWC — Green iguanas removed.
Numbers and logistics
FWC reported the official total as 5,195 live iguanas turned in across the two-day window. Processing by site was:
- Sunrise: 3,882
- Tequesta: 1,075
- Marathon: 215
- Fort Myers: 23
- Lakeland: 0
One media outlet published a higher estimate, but official FWC figures remain authoritative (alternate coverage).
FWC Executive Director Roger Young credited agency coordination, partner organizations and public participation: “The removal of over 5,000 of these nonnative lizards in such a short time span was only possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of many staff members in multiple FWC divisions and offices, our partners, and… the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold-stunned iguanas from their properties,” he said at a Feb. 4 meeting in Tallahassee.
What happened to the iguanas
After drop-off, FWC attempted to transfer animals to permitted holders where feasible. Some iguanas were moved for permitted out-of-state sale or placement; those that could not be transferred were humanely euthanized by trained agency staff in accordance with animal welfare guidelines. Media coverage and agency materials include photos and video of the operation; see FWC reporting and related video documentation (FWC — Green iguanas removed; operation video).
“Some animals were transferred to permitted holders when possible; others were humanely euthanized by trained FWC staff.” — FWC report
Why green iguanas are a problem
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) arrived in Florida in the 1960s via the pet trade and now represent one of 139 established nonnative species in the state. They damage vegetation and infrastructure — chewing drainage systems, undermining seawalls, burrowing into banks — and can displace native species. Iguanas can also bite or lash with their tails when threatened, creating public-safety concerns. See background reporting from FWC and related coverage (FWC background; Popular Science).
Cold-stunning: a temporary window
Cold-stunning is physiological: iguanas become immobile when air temperature drops below roughly 45°F. That state is temporary — with warming, many animals recover quickly — which is why FWC repeatedly warned the public not to take cold-stunned iguanas inside homes. Recovered animals may respond defensively with tails, teeth and claws. Outside emergency exemptions, possession and transport of green iguanas is normally illegal because they are a regulated nonnative species in Florida (FWC guidance).
Legal and management context
Outside the two-day exemption, green iguanas require permits for possession and transport. Property owners may humanely kill iguanas on private land year-round (subject to anti-cruelty statutes), but transfer, sale and interstate movement require permitting. FWC provides resources on nonnative-species management and property-level deterrence; see the executive order and guidance pages for full details (Executive Order 26-03; FWC management resources).
Implications for Hesperia, California
Though Hesperia is far from Florida, the episode offers practical lessons:
- Economic impact: Invasive reptiles can damage infrastructure and increase maintenance costs; preventive measures are typically cheaper than cleanup.
- Policy approach: The Florida response used a short, targeted executive exemption to enable rapid action while preserving broader regulatory structure — a model local officials can consider for limited, emergency responses.
- Public safety & responsibility: Educate residents to avoid handling unfamiliar wildlife and to contact animal control or wildlife professionals; volunteer reporting and neighborhood engagement were key in Florida’s effort.
Practical applications for Hesperia residents
Recommended actions:
- Contact San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control and local wildlife professionals if you find exotic reptiles rather than attempting risky handling.
- Secure enclosures, microchip applicable pets, and report illegal sales or releases to county authorities.
- Support efficient, narrowly tailored emergency responses that balance rapid action with property-rights protections.
Sources
Primary source material and coverage:
