Watch a Man Create a Homemade Spa and Miraculously Bring a Frozen Iguana Back to Life

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This viral video from the Jacob Feder channel captures a wild scene in Florida as a seemingly frozen iguana is miraculously brought back to life. However, was the iguana truly “frozen”? And how exactly did this happen? Dive in to learn about this truly bizarre phenomenon!

How Do Iguanas “Freeze”?

The iguana in this video may look frozen and lifeless, but it is actually still alive. As cold-blooded reptiles, iguanas can’t generate their own body heat. Instead, they rely on external sources to regulate their temperature, seeking shade when they’re too hot and basking in the sun when they’re cold.

Green iguanas are native to Central and South America but have thrived in Florida’s typically warm climate. Initially arriving as stowaways on imported goods in the 1960s, green iguana populations have rapidly increased through the years, particularly in the last decade as pet owners illegally released them into the wild. This has become a major problem in Florida, where the iguanas are considered an invasive species. Iguanas mostly eat plants, but their hearty appetites can wreak havoc on local gardens, landscaping, and ornamental plants. They devour flowers, fruits, and vegetables alike. Iguanas are also skilled diggers and can create burrows that damage foundations and sidewalks.

But when temperatures drop below 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, green iguanas begin entering a state that can make them appear “frozen”. Their bodies slow down to conserve energy, often getting darker to better absorb heat from the sun. Their metabolic rate also slows down, which affects their digestion, nervous system, respiration, and heart rate. With decreased circulation, these cold iguanas don’t get the nutrients and oxygen their bodies need, leading to weakness and an inability to move. During particularly cold weather, iguanas have been known to freeze and fall from trees!

What Happened to the Iguana in the Video?

The iguana in the video above wasn’t dead or fully “frozen”, but rather in a suspended state referred to as torpor — a temporary, hibernation-like state. Being cold-blooded, it couldn’t warm up its own body. But by slowly and carefully raising its core temperature, the man helped restore the iguana’s bodily functions and ability to move. Sadly, not all “frozen” iguanas are so lucky; many suffer brain damage, and others never recover.

What to Do if You Find a “Frozen” Iguana

Although you may have good intentions, moving a seemingly “frozen” iguana can actually do more harm than good. It’s generally best to leave them where you find them, especially in Florida where they are invasive.

In addition, a motionless iguana isn’t necessarily dead; as it warms up, it could become aggressive or defensive. Be sure to keep children and pets away, as these reptiles can do a lot of damage with their teeth, claws, and whip-like tails. If you find several frozen iguanas or if one is in a problematic location, contact a professional wildlife control service.