Extreme Cold and Snow in the South Not a Major Threat to Most Native Plants and Animals, Experts Say

Despite Unusual Weather, Local Flora and Fauna Are Well-Adapted to Survive

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — While an unexpected blanket of snow and frigid temperatures have brought much of the South to a standstill, experts say that the region’s native plants and animals are largely equipped to handle these extreme conditions.

On Tuesday afternoon, around 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow covered the ground outside Braden Doucet’s home in Lafayette, Louisiana. The temperature was plunging, with overnight lows expected to drop to 12°F (minus 11°C) and remain below freezing through Friday.

For most people, the freezing temperatures and snow have created significant disruptions. But experts agree that the region’s native plants and wildlife—such as cypress trees, prairie plants, and cold-blooded creatures like alligators and snakes—should not face significant threats.

"I've never seen snow like this in Louisiana, for sure," said Doucet, a graduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who works in a climate change adaptation lab for plants. “You might see a couple of dead plants, but as a rule, most plants should be fine. The individual plants haven’t experienced this level of snow and cold before, but their populations have been around for millennia. They’ve evolved to handle this kind of weather.”

Phyllis Baudoin Griffard, a retired biology professor at the university, emphasized that evolution plays a key role in the survival of local plants. "While this may be a once-in-a-hundred-year snow event, biology operates on a larger scale," she said. "All species of plants have been exposed to extremes before. On the surface, things might look battered, but they will bounce back."

However, Griffard noted that Spanish moss, often found draped on oak and cypress trees in swampy areas, might struggle in these conditions. "They’re a bit picky," she said. "They are a flowering plant, and I’m not sure how they will handle the snow. It’s not the freezing temperatures, but the snow might be a different challenge."

In Florida, native plants are also expected to weather the cold snap without significant harm, according to Mark Tancig, a horticulture extension agent in Leon County. "Native plants are accustomed to fluctuating temperatures, and even when it gets this cold, they’re well-adapted to survive," Tancig explained. "They’ve developed ways to deal with the heat, insects, diseases, and fungi that come with their natural environment."

In Houston, where temperatures are expected to drop to 18°F (minus 7.7°C), the Houston Zoo has taken precautions to ensure that its animals are kept warm and safe. Vice President of Animal Programs Kevin Hodge said the zoo has indoor facilities for the animals and backup generators in case of power outages. However, he noted that certain species, such as sea turtles, could be at risk in the wild. "A sudden temperature change can lead to cold-stunning, which can be fatal to sea turtles," Hodge explained. "We work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research to rescue and treat them."

Other animals, like skunks, possums, raccoons, and shorebirds, are expected to ride out the cold snap without issue. Cold-blooded animals, including snakes, will enter a mild hibernation during the cold weather and typically survive without problems, Hodge added.

In Miami, where temperatures could dip below 40°F (5°C), iguanas are expected to be affected by the cold. Tom Portuallo, owner of Blue Iguana Pest Control, warned that the cold-blooded reptiles could become immobilized by the low temperatures and fall from trees. While they may be temporarily paralyzed, Portuallo noted that healthy iguanas should survive the brief cold snap without lasting harm.

Despite the unusual weather, experts stress that native wildlife and plants in the South are well-equipped to handle extreme conditions due to their long history of adaptation.