The cold is causing frozen iguanas to fall from trees in Florida

[malaise]

http://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/05/weather/iguana-cold-florida-bomb-cyclone-trnd/index.html
<snip>
There's an iguanocalypse in Florida, or at least that's what it looks like judging from the photos worried Floridians are posting all over social media.
Because of the cold temperatures sweeping the nation, iguanas are dropping out of trees like overripe mangoes, littering the ground in an apparent state of rigor mortis.
One tiny detail, though: They're probably not dead. They are, however, literally frozen.

Emily Maple, the reptile keeper at the Palm Beach County Zoo, told CNN affiliate WPEC the cold-blooded animals get "cold stunned" -- that is, they basically freeze -- if the temperature gets below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
"If it's just for a day or two they'll just get to where they're completely frozen in time. They're still able to breathe. They're still able to do bodily functions just very slow," said Maple.

[underpants]

1. That's okay...

[Bettie]

2. I have sympathy for the poor little critters

(or not-so-little critters), but there is a part of me that laughs at the idea of someone just waking under a tree and getting smacked by a falling lizard. Yes, I'm a teeny bit twisted.

[MineralMan]

3. Mmm...Lunch...

Actually, I'd be more inclined to bring them in, warm them up and then release them after the weather improved. Still, I've eaten iguana. It's pretty good eating.

[malaise]

5. Same here

more than a few decades ago - good eating.

[MineralMan]

6. In Florida, they're an invasive species, so...

I say spit 'em, roast 'em, gobble 'em mon...

Squeeze a little lime and it's good.

[malaise]

7. Mybest friend and her hubby used to feed a family of them

with fruit skins daily. They'd come down from the palm trees as soon as one of them went outside.

[John Fante]

9. That's nice.

I do the same for a family of raccoons. Perhaps that's why they've never knocked over any of my trash cans.

[malaise]

10. No doubt

[Baitball Blogger]

4. Anyone in the market for an iguana?

[GulfCoast66]

8. I would be great for our environment if they all died

They are an invasive species and lord knows we have enough of them in Florida. Too bad it is not taking out the pythons.

[malaise]

12. Why are there so many invasive species in Florida? n/t

[GulfCoast66]

14. Mainly idiot people

But also our climate. Just using iguanas or pythons as an example. They would not survive in, say Virginia. Or even north Florida. But do well in South Florida. Plus hundreds of other plants and animals.

[tblue37]

15. People buy them as pets and then release them outside when they don't want

to take care of them any more.

[NCTraveler]

20. Hurricane Andrew caused a large part of the problem.

At the time numerous reptiles were in demand. Different kinds of Boa’s and Anacondas we just about at the top. A large number of these were released in one way or another before and during the hurricane. Enough of certian kinds were released that population expansion could take place. It’s an interesting timeline from then to today. Normally under really cold conditions it doesn’t freeze around those areas for more than a couple of hours and they have ground warmth. Not enough to kill them. Just an hour and a half north of the Everglades it’s rare to see some of the larger snakes.

Fish are a different story. Reptiles need more than ones being released here and there. Aquarists play a major role in the fish problem. It’s simply the perfect environment for many fresh and saltwater fish. One pregnant one in a small pond might be all that’s necessary for population growth.

http://www.reptileknowledge.com/articles/article22.php

[mitch96]

11. Massive amount of Iguanas falling from the trees when it gets cold

so would you call it a B-lizzard?????

sorry, I could not help my self..
If the homeless need food I think this would be a gift from heaven... I can't stand the boogers.. Poop all over the back yard.. I called animal control and they said to call a "certified" animal removal specialist. It's against the law to "remove" them yourself or have them commit covfefe...
m

[malaise]

13. DUzy

Good one

[ProudLib72]

16. Why is this not happening to Lizard Don?

Dammit all, I'd hate him a little less if he were in a state of rigor mortis and unable to tweet.

[malaise]

17. Had the same thought

[A HERETIC I AM]

19. Because he doesn't hang out in trees, unfortunately.

[kentuck]

18. K&R