Record cold snap leads to removal of 5,195 invasive green iguanas in two days under temporary FWC rule
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that 5,195 invasive green iguanas were collected across South Florida on Feb. 1–2, 2026, after Executive Order 26-03 temporarily allowed residents to transport cold‑stunned animals to FWC drop‑off sites.
- 5,195 cold‑stunned iguanas collected and brought to four FWC offices on Feb. 1–2, 2026 (FWC news release).
- Executive Order 26-03 (issued Jan. 30, 2026) temporarily waived permit requirements for transporting cold‑stunned iguanas to designated drop‑offs (Executive Order 26-03).
- Disposition: transfer to permitted holders for out‑of‑state sale or humane euthanasia by trained staff when no permittee was available (FWC news release).
What happened, step by step
A fast, deep cold snap in late January and early February left many nonnative green iguanas lethargic and vulnerable. The state issued Executive Order 26-03, temporarily allowing permitless possession only to transport cold‑stunned iguanas to designated FWC offices for evaluation or disposition.
Drop‑off hours were limited: Feb. 1, 9 a.m.–noon and Feb. 2, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.. The order applied to property owners or those with landowner permission in South and Southwest Florida. Residents responded rapidly and thousands of iguanas were turned in.
Collection totals by office: Sunrise — 3,882; Tequesta — 1,075; Marathon (Florida Keys) — 215; Fort Myers — 23. Four offices were used for drop‑off, though the initial order mentioned five potential locations (FWC news release).
Why the state acted
Green iguanas are classified as a Prohibited species in Florida because they damage native habitats, agriculture and infrastructure. They dig burrows that can undermine seawalls and foundations, consume vegetation and compete with native wildlife. Under normal rules, permits are required to possess or transport nonnative wildlife; the emergency order narrowly allowed transport to state offices during the extreme weather event (Executive Order 26-03).
What happened to the animals
FWC staff followed handling and disposition protocols: animals with permits were transferred to permitted holders for out‑of‑state sale when allowed; those without a permitted recipient were humanely euthanized by trained FWC personnel. The agency noted that outside the temporary order, residents may humanely remove iguanas from their own property year‑round and that anti‑cruelty laws still apply. Guidance on deterrence and professional removal is available via FWC resources (FWC news release).
Voices from the field
“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, of course, the many residents that took the time to collect and turn in cold‑stunned iguanas from their properties,” said Roger Young, FWC’s executive director, at the Feb. 4 commission meeting in Tallahassee (FWC news release).
Local media footage captured residents delivering limp reptiles to drop‑offs (video coverage: 10 Tampa Bay).
Numbers and discrepancies
The authoritative FWC tally is 5,195 animals. An uncorroborated summary suggested as many as 8,000 removals, but that higher figure lacks confirmation from FWC data and appears in a non‑official summary (uncorroborated summary).
Broader context on invasive green iguanas
Green iguanas are an established invasive species in South Florida, introduced via pet releases and escapes. They are unprotected in Florida except for general anti‑cruelty protections, allowing private property owners to remove them without a permit. FWC recommends homeowners who cannot remove iguanas hire licensed wildlife control operators and offers information about deterrence and exclusion techniques (FWC news release).
Investigative note: logistics and coordination
Processing more than 5,000 animals in two days required rapid coordination across multiple FWC divisions, partner groups and volunteers. The Sunrise office alone processed nearly 4,000 iguanas, creating pressure on storage, transport and disposition logistics. The mixed model of agency staff, partners and public participation may inform future emergency wildlife responses (FWC news release).
Media coverage and public reaction
Coverage ranged from official statements to local TV footage showing residents carrying limp reptiles. Outlets examined the ethics and practicality of euthanizing cold‑stunned reptiles; agencies strive to rehome healthy animals but must weigh welfare, legal constraints and logistics when dealing with large numbers (Popular Science; Fox News).
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic impact: The Florida response shows how sudden weather events and managed removals can shift costs to state and local agencies. A similar event in Los Angeles could strain pest‑control budgets and emergency staffing.
Political consequences: LA officials might reassess exotic pet regulations, permitting and public education — policies that can be framed around safety and fiscal responsibility.
Social effects: Homeowners often act as first responders during wildlife emergencies; clear guidance and licensing options help mitigate ad‑hoc removals.
Cultural relevance: In a city with many exotic‑pet enthusiasts, messaging that balances stewardship, animal welfare and neighborhood safety will resonate.
Practical applications for Los Angeles residents and agencies
- Review local ordinances on exotic‑pet sales and permits; consider registration or tighter rules.
- Build rapid‑response plans mapping intake, staffing and transport for invasive species surges.
- Expand public education on humane removal, reporting and licensed wildlife control operators.
- Partner with universities and NGOs for triage, euthanasia protocols and potential rehoming strategies.
- Monitor climate trends: shifting winters may change establishment risk for nonnative reptiles.
