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when iguanas freeze are they dead

No, a frozen-looking iguana is usually not dead. It’s typically “cold‑stunned” or in a very slowed‑down state, and many recover once temperatures rise again.

When iguanas freeze, are they dead?

Quick Scoop

In sudden cold snaps (like the ones often reported in Florida), iguanas can become so chilled that they lose muscle control and literally fall out of trees.

They often look stiff, grayish, and totally lifeless—but in many cases they are still alive, just in a kind of emergency energy‑saving mode called torpor or cold‑stunning.

However:

  • If the cold is too intense or lasts too long , some iguanas do die from the low temperatures.
  • Wildlife experts and local authorities repeatedly warn that you should assume a “frozen” iguana is alive and can wake up suddenly once warmed.

What’s actually happening to them?

When temperatures drop into the 40s Fahrenheit or lower, iguanas, which are ectothermic (cold‑blooded), can no longer keep their bodies warm enough to move properly.

Key points:

  • Their metabolism slows way down , heart and breathing rates drop, and they become immobile.
  • They may fall out of trees because they can’t grip branches anymore.
  • This “shutdown” is a survival mechanism , not instant death.

If the cold period is short , many iguanas “thaw out,” warm up with the sun or ambient air, and start moving again.

If the cold is long or severe (for example, staying in the low 40s or below for many hours), some individuals—especially smaller ones—do not survive.

How can you tell if they’re actually dead?

For regular people, it can be very hard to tell. From news reports and wildlife guidance:

  • A cold‑stunned iguana can be:
    • Completely still and unresponsive
    • Very cold and stiff to the touch
    • Gray or dull in color

Even like this, many have later woken up once warmed—there are documented stories of people loading “dead” iguanas into cars, only for them to revive and start running around when the vehicle warmed up.

Because of that, experts say:

  • Do not assume it’s dead just because it looks frozen.
  • If you must move it (for safety or as directed by local wildlife rules), treat it as if it could suddenly wake up and defend itself with claws or tail whips.

A definitive “alive or dead” call should come from a trained wildlife professional or vet, especially during extreme cold events.

Is this in the latest news and forums?

Cold‑stunned iguanas are a recurring winter story, especially in South Florida:

  • Local news outlets report “falling iguana” warnings whenever cold snaps push temps into the 40s or below.
  • Recent coverage in early 2026 highlighted mid‑30s temperatures and “raining iguanas” across parts of South Florida.
  • State authorities have even temporarily relaxed rules on collecting invasive iguanas during rare freezes, noting that they appear dead but can suddenly recover and move.

On forums and social posts, people often ask the exact question you’re asking—“Are they dead or just frozen?”—and wildlife sources consistently respond that many are still alive , even if they look gone.

What should someone do if they see one?

General advice from wildlife experts and agencies:

  • Don’t poke, play with, or try to warm it up inside your house ; a revived iguana can scratch or bite and may damage property.
  • Keep a safe distance and keep pets away.
  • Follow local guidelines : in places where green iguanas are invasive (like much of Florida), authorities may provide specific instructions or collection rules during cold events.

Short TL;DR

  • “Frozen” iguanas you see after a cold snap are usually not dead at first ; they’re cold‑stunned and can recover when they warm up.
  • If the cold is strong or lasts many hours , some iguanas will die from the low temperatures.
  • To stay safe and humane, assume they’re alive unless a professional says otherwise, and follow local wildlife advice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.