A torpid green iguana, which fell from an oak tree in North Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
PHOTO by DANEIAL GREENWELL<\/p>\n
Found a comatose iguana? <\/p>\n
Do not attempt to resuscitate the \u201csleeping\u201d reptile.<\/p>\n
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a message for the public on how cold weather can impact wildlife and what to do \u2014 and what not to do \u2014\u00a0if you encounter nonnative green iguanas in your backyard. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen temperatures near freezing or drop below, nonnative green iguanas and other nonnative reptiles can go into a state of torpor, temporarily losing muscle control. This can cause green iguanas to fall from trees or other vegetation,\u201d FWC\u2019s website states.<\/p>\n
Those finding the chilled and motionless reptiles should not bring them into homes or vehicles to warm them. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs iguanas recover, they can quickly become defensive, using their sharp teeth and claws and powerful tails,\u201d FWC states.<\/p>\n
Green iguanas are a Prohibited Species in Florida. <\/p>\n
As of Jan. 7, a new rule change went into affect concerning the species. Visit https:\/\/myfwc.com\/wildlifehabitats\/nonnatives\/rule-changes\/ for more information.<\/p>\n