On Tuesday afternoon in Lafayette, Louisiana, approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow enveloped the landscape surrounding Braden Doucet’s residence.
Adding to the unusual weather, frigid temperatures hit the region. The forecast predicted a nighttime low of 12 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 11 degrees Celsius), with conditions expected to remain below freezing until Friday.
The combination of snow and freezing temperatures has paralyzed many local activities. However, indigenous wildlife, including native cypress trees, prairie flora, and cold-blooded species like alligators and snakes, are likely to fare well in these harsh conditions.
“I’ve never witnessed snow like this in Louisiana,” remarked Doucet, a graduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he studies climate change and its impact on plant adaptation.
“While a few plants may suffer, most should endure just fine,” Doucet noted. “The individual plants may be unfamiliar with such substantial snowfall and extreme weather, but these native plant populations have thrived for thousands of years and have evolved alongside these conditions. In terms of plant populations, a century is nearly insignificant. Their genetics retain a historical resilience.”
Phyllis Baudoin Griffard, a retired biology professor, emphasizes the significance of evolution and adaptation for plant survival.
“Even though this once-in-a-hundred-years snow event is remarkable and everyone is enjoying it, biology functions on a much larger timeline,” Griffard explained. “All plant species have endured extreme conditions before. While the landscape may appear battered and lifeless—similar to areas in the North—nature tends to bounce back.”
Nonetheless, Griffard expresses concerns about how Spanish moss, which hangs from oak and cypress trees in wet environments, might respond to the recent cold snap.
“They tend to be a bit finicky,” she cautioned regarding Spanish moss, which is technically a flowering plant rather than true moss. “It’s not necessarily the freeze that poses a problem; I’m uncertain how they will cope with snow.”
In Florida, native flora is expected to withstand the cold, according to Mark Tancig, a horticulture extension agent in Leon County.
These plants have adapted to cooler conditions, even when temperatures plummet, he noted.
“They excel in warmer climates,” Tancig stated, “and are accustomed to dealing with pests, diseases, and fungal issues. They’ve effectively learned to coexist with their natural environment.”
Forecasts indicate that temperatures in Houston will drop to around 18 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 7.7 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday night. Kevin Hodge, who is one of 66 staff members at the Houston Zoo, is among those who will remain overnight to ensure the animals are well-cared for and warm.
Hodge, who serves as vice president of animal programs, mentioned that the zoo will be closed to visitors until Wednesday. Some staff members began their shifts on Monday afternoon to prepare for the freezing temperatures.
The zoo features indoor spaces so animals can find warmth and shelter, and generators are available to maintain power during outages.
Hodge pointed out that some wild species near Houston and the Gulf Coast could be at risk during such drastic temperature changes.
“Sea turtles are one of the species we are concerned about with sudden temperature drops,” he explained. “Rapid overnight changes can result in cold-stunning, which can be fatal.”
The zoo collaborates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research to rescue distressed turtles and provide them with medical care until weather conditions improve for their release.
Other wild animals, including skunks, possums, raccoons, and shorebirds, usually manage to survive the temperature drop, according to Hodge.
“Snakes tend to seek refuge under logs, branches, and rocks when temperatures decline,” he noted, adding that colder conditions slow down their breathing and heart rates, prompting them to enter a mild hibernation. “Typically, they are able to adapt just fine.”
Even Miami, noted for being one of Florida’s sunniest locations, may not escape the cold snap expected later this week. If temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius), iguanas may start falling from trees due to immobilization.
“As long as they remain healthy, one chilly night won’t pose a significant threat,” said Tom Portuallo, owner of Blue Iguana Pest Control. However, he warned that prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees could be detrimental.
