Overview
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported more than 2,000 green iguanas surrendered during a two-day public drop-off authorized for the cold-stun event.
- Pest-control companies gathered thousands more, including IggyTrap’s 834 on Sunday and about 500 on Monday, and Iguana Control’s haul of roughly 800 from a single municipal account plus several hundred from HOAs.
- FWC’s order briefly allowed residents to transport live, cold-stunned iguanas to designated sites for humane disposal before normal permit restrictions resumed.
- Contractors are euthanizing the reptiles in line with FWC guidance, commonly using captive bolt followed by pithing, with some carcasses later processed for leather or fishing chum.
- Authorities advise against warming iguanas indoors and urge secure transport in breathable bags inside locked containers, noting many animals are reviving as temperatures rebound.