Thousands of Iguanas paralysed by freezing temperatures

Thousands of cold-stunned iguanas were left temporarily paralysed in Florida this week due to dropping temperatures.

The invasive reptiles, native to South America, have thrived in Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed exotic pet breeding facilities, releasing iguanas and other animals.

Florida Fish and Wildlife asked residents to collect the paralysed iguanas, resulting in an estimated 5,000 being humanely dealt with.

The iguanas, along with boa constrictors, monkeys, and baboons released during the hurricane, have continued to live and breed in Florida due to the lack of natural predators.