Cold Snap Has Iguanas Falling From Trees In South Florida

The Associated Press

Cold weather had iguanas dropping from the trees on Key Biscayne this week. This one is at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Sunshine helps revive the reptiles.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: January 04, 2008

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KEY BISCAYNE - How cold was it in South Florida this week? Cold enough to cause iguanas to drop out of trees in Key Biscayne.

The coldblooded reptiles go into a deep sleep when the temperature falls into the 40s. Experts say their bodies basically shut off and they lose their grip on the tree.

It is more like suspended animation than sudden death. Experts say the reptiles perk up when the temperatures rises.

Most of the iguanas were pets that people released when they got too big. The reptiles can grow up to 6 feet long.