Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Lizard blizzard
#1
It is so cold in Florida that there are literally iguanas falling from the trees. They get so cold that they lose their grip and drop to the ground. Many of them are alive and could recover. Many will die from the cold.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/anim...k-them-up/

You know it is cold when lizards are falling from trees.
The problem is the fact that iguanas are not native to Florida. They have no ability to cope with a cold snap.

Many other vulnerable introduced species are suffering from the cold and some will die.
The problem is so widespread and the cold has lasted so long that there will be losses.
I find it heart breaking to see so many beautiful iguanas dying of the cold. They are such beautiful lizards and they have such personalities. Some of the dying lizards would be released pets. They were raised to be looked after and now we have failed them.
[Image: IMG_9091.JPG]
Catherine

Reply
#2
I suppose they go into a semi-hibernation when they get too cold. That might be okay perhaps if it was only cold for a few days. But in on-going cold weather, they might eventually die?

"Don't pick them up"? Why not? Maybe putting them in the sun isn't such a great idea, as they will warm up only to get cold again when night falls or the shade comes. But surely someone could go round and rescue these Iguanas? And put them all in some large dog crates or something in a nicer environment, until the cold snap passes?

Yes it's the old story of releasing "pets" into the wild. That's never a good idea and the animals can really suffer if they are not meant to be in that environment.
Reply
#3
I am not sure why they tell people not to pick them up. If  you don't know what you are doing you could hurt the iguana.
Also, they are a big lizard with sharp claws and sharper teeth. They are also wild animals. If the iguana starts to warm and wakes up it could really hurt you.


http://www.cnn.com/2018/01/05/weather/ig...index.html

The iguana beside the pool is an absolutely beautiful specimen. It would be very sad if it dies.

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/us...l?referer=


Perhaps this would be a good time to round up iguanas. They are invasive and causing problems so removing them from the ecosystem would be good. I would hope they could do it as more of a rescue than a cull. These are beautiful intelligent lizards. They didn't ask to be dumped in Florida. Some would be released pets. I think some have gotten loose during hurricanes and they have survived and reproduced.
Whatever happens, it is sad that this is happening to them. Many will die.
[Image: IMG_9091.JPG]
Catherine

Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)
Created by Zyggy's Web Design