Overview
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 5,195 green iguanas delivered to its sites following a brief collection window on February 1–2.
- Under temporary order EO 26-03, residents could bring live, cold-stunned iguanas to designated locations for humane killing or transfer to licensed handlers.
- Authorities urged protective gear and caution, citing risks from bites, scratches, and Salmonella transmission, with pediatric specialists warning of serious wound infections.
- Private contractors amassed large hauls, with one collector reporting more than 90 animals and a North Palm Beach restaurant serving iguana meat during the episode.
- The freeze that triggered the iguana drop was part of a wider U.S. cold wave that caused outages, flight cancellations, and fatalities, while public discussion focused on invasive-species control and climate interpretations.