Скачать или смотреть Falling Iguanas in Florida's Cold Weather

Welcome to Science News. Today, we’re discussing an unusual and startling phenomenon in Florida: invasive green iguanas (Iguana iguana) falling from trees when temperatures drop below 4.4°C (40°F).
This bizarre occurrence has become so frequent during cold spells that it's even mentioned in weather forecasts. Why does this happen? As cold-blooded reptiles, iguanas rely on external heat to maintain their body temperature. When temperatures dip below their comfort zone—between 29°C and 35°C (84°F to 95°F)—their metabolism slows. At temperatures below 4.4°C, they can enter a state of temporary paralysis known as "cold-stunning," which causes them to lose muscle control and fall from trees.
Joe Wasilewski, a conservation biologist at the University of Florida, explains that while this paralysis is usually temporary, it poses risks for both the iguanas and the public. Falling iguanas can injure people or damage property. This phenomenon isn’t limited to iguanas—cold weather affects other non-native reptiles in Florida, such as Burmese pythons and Nile crocodiles.