Floridians gather frozen iguanas by armload as frigid temps leave them paralyzed, dropping from trees

NY Post ^ | 2-1-26 | Caitlin McCormack

[dynachrome]

It’s raining reptiles!

Iguanas left virtually paralyzed by Florida’s recent unseasonable cold snap are dropping like flies from trees, leaving people to scoop them up by the armload.

When temperatures plummet, the cold-blooded creatures become immobile, and in Florida, where upwards of 1 million iguanas are estimated to typically laze in the treetops, that means torrents of reptiles falling.

“They’re like little bags of ice,” said Jessica Kilgore of the “nuisance animal removal service” Iguana Solutions as she hefted a 10-pound iguana in her arms.

Usually, Floridians are prohibited from handling the iguanas themselves, but this winter, the situation is so severe that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission decided to launch temporary collection sites across the panhandle.

[Organic Panic]

They have Lion Fish cooking contests in the Caribbean. Never had any. But they are everywhere with no local predators to kill them.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Nothing tastes like chicken except chicken.

All the other things, they are lying to you.

[bankwalker]

cats taste like chicken ...

Cat in the Kettle

[Equine1952]

iguanas eat that lizard here or you want it to go?

[crusty old prospector]

We used to watch him on the PBS in the 90’s. Fo sho.

[TigersEye]

Nothing beats ManaWhoopIguana for Thanksgiving dinner.

You stuff the prepared Iguana in the body cavity of a whooping crane and then stuff that in the body cavity of a Manatee.

Bury in a large pit of coals for 48 hours and viola! True haute cuisine.

[BradyLS]

Google…

Are there any restaurants in Florida that serve dishes made from invasive species?

…to find restaurants in Florida that serve dishes made from lionfish, feral boar, python, and iguana!

[jerod]

Iguanas are invasive... Why are they trying to save them? Shouldn’t they be killing them?

[Equine1952]

Look for a restaurant that serves authentic Cajon cooking. Order the Gumbo, don’t ask what’s in it and drink plenty of beer.

[telescope115]

There are videos on YouTube of people who make a business of shooting Iguanas in residential communities. They use high-powered air rifles. One lady is like a surgeon with her rifle. The only part I don’t like is when she holds its bloody head close to the camera so you get a good look at where it’s eye used to be.

It does seem like a fun job, however. There is no shortage of the pests. Her business might slow down a little right now, but I’m sure the Iguana population will spring right back.

What a great retirement job that would be…..

[dfwgator]

Only took four posts. Good job!

[BB62]

Chewin’ on a piece of grass, walkin’ down the road...

[fso301]

They are an invasive species. Get rid of them all.

One would think that but here's the problem.

Usually, Floridians are prohibited from handling the iguanas themselves,

[Veto!]

Adorable.

[from occupied ga]

Somalis? Oh iguanas never mind

[from occupied ga]

Usually, Floridians are prohibited from handling the iguanas themselves

Not true! Floridians are encouraged to terminate them humanely

[tet68]

I didn’t tell him about the manta bats...I figured he’d see them himself soon enough ...

[tet68]

Rattlesnake tastes like chicken...
If you don’t mind the bones.

[JimRed]

Don’t they taste like chicken?

[aquila48]

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