MIAMI - It's a South Florida phenomenon that draws amusement from across the country — when temperatures drop below a certain level, cold-stunned iguanas start falling out of trees. While it may sound bizarre, it happens. And there's a scientific reason for it.

Frigid temperatures have been infiltrating the U.S. over the past several days, and Florida hasn’t been immune to the bitter blast of cold air.

Snow, ice, strong winds and plunging temperatures in the US have led to dangerous travel conditions from central and southern states.

Although several iguana species live in Florida, the predominant one is the green iguana, native to Central and South America. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, green iguanas are considered invasive in the state.