When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But when a historic cold snap gives you frozen reptiles falling from the sky, if you are a resourceful Florida Man, you apparently make iguana tacos. A viral TikTok story has taken the internet by storm this week after a South Florida content creator filmed himself collecting, cooking, and eating 21 "cold-stunned" iguanas that dropped from trees during the state's recent freeze.
The Viral 'Chicken of the Trees' Feast
The culinary adventure began when temperatures in South Florida plummeted into the 30s earlier this week, causing the cold-blooded invasive species to enter a state of torpor and lose their grip on tree branches. TikTok user Gray Davis (@gray.davis) seized the opportunity, gathering nearly two dozen of the immobilized lizards to create what he called the ultimate "Florida man taco."
In a video that has since racked up millions of views, Davis documented the entire process. "21 souls in one meal is crazy," one commenter noted, but Davis defended the feast as a sustainable food source. He demonstrated his preparation method, which involved skinning the reptiles, boiling the meat for an hour to tenderize it, and then shredding it off the bone.
After sautéing the meat with lime juice, onions, and seasonings, Davis plated the final product, describing the flavor as remarkably similar to chicken. "They have the nickname 'Chicken of the Trees' because they're absolutely delicious," he told his audience. "Everybody is hating, but this is the definition of ethical meat eating."
Why Are Iguanas Falling in Florida?
The phenomenon of falling iguanas—often jokingly referred to as "reptile rain"—is a genuine meteorological event in the Sunshine State. Green iguanas are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. When the thermometer dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as it did during the recent bomb cyclone affecting the East Coast, their bodies shut down to preserve energy.
This state of suspended animation, known as torpor, causes their muscles to stiffen. While they appear dead, they are usually just immobilized until the sun warms them up. However, gravity doesn't wait for the thaw. As they lose their hold on branches, they tumble onto sidewalks, cars, and pool decks, creating a surreal scene for residents waking up to a yard littered with frozen lizards.
State Guidance on Invasive Species
While the idea of snacking on street lizards might turn some stomachs, Davis's actions align with state environmental goals. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has long classified green iguanas as a destructive invasive species. They wreak havoc on native vegetation, erode seawalls with their burrows, and damage infrastructure.
Because of this, the FWC not only allows but encourages the humane killing of green iguanas on private property year-round without a permit. During this week's extreme cold, officials even set up drop-off centers where residents could bring collected iguanas. According to recent reports, over 5,000 of the reptiles were turned in and humanely euthanized in just 48 hours.
Public Reaction: From Horror to Hunger
The internet's reaction to the iguana tacos has been as chaotic as the weather. Social media users are divided between admiration for Davis's survivalist skills and sheer disbelief. "I live in Florida and I would never," wrote one user, while another joked, "Inflation is hitting everyone differently."
Interestingly, Davis isn't the only one getting creative in the kitchen. Other reports from the Florida weird news circuit this week have shown locals topping pizzas with iguana meat. As the cold front passes and the remaining reptiles thaw out and scurry away, one thing is certain: for the adventurous eater in Florida, the backyard has become an all-you-can-eat buffet.
