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US cold snap helps curb Florida's invasive iguana numbers

Shannon Redstall
February 4, 2026

In Florida, unusually cold temperatures have sent the invasive green iguana population into temporary hibernation, giving authorities a unique pest control opportunity.

https://p.dw.com/p/582ZE

Cold temperatures in Florida are stunning invasive green iguanas, causing them to fall from trees as their bodies temporarily shut down.

Pest control teams are seizing the chance to collect the reptiles and hand them to authorities for euthanasia.

The large lizards are damaging native wildlife and plants — and can become dangerous once they warm back up.