In the wake of a recent Florida cold front that left invasive iguanas frozen stiff and falling from trees across the region, local Crescent Lake resident and self-described “animal empath” Linda Karp reportedly turned her home into an emergency shelter for the reptiles, insisting they “deserve warmth and compassion, even if they’re technically a problem.”

Neighbors say Karp—long known around Crescent Lake for feeding stray cats, naming squirrels, and speaking to birds as if they’re tenants—began collecting frozen iguanas from sidewalks, yards, and park trails shortly after temperatures dipped.

“She was out there at like 7 a.m. with a laundry basket,” said one neighbor. “Just scooping them up like they were kittens.”

Wildlife officials had urged residents not to handle the cold-stunned iguanas, warning that the animals often regain movement as temperatures rise. Karp, however, said that only strengthened her resolve.

“That’s why they need me,” Karp explained, standing in her driveway beside several space heaters. “They’re vulnerable right now. They’re literally falling out of trees. Imagine.”

According to witnesses, Karp has converted her screened-in porch into what she calls “the Iguana Recovery Ward,” complete with towels, heating pads, shallow water dishes, and what appears to be a small inspirational sign reading You Are Safe Now.

Inside, dozens of frozen iguanas reportedly lie motionless in neat rows, each assigned a name and, in some cases, a backstory.

“This one is Trevor,” Karp said softly, gesturing toward an iguana wrapped in a dish towel. “He has trust issues.”

Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the operation. While some praised Karp’s compassion, others questioned whether Crescent Lake needed an additional wildlife situation.

“I already have to dodge unleashed dogs, scooters, and people doing hot yoga in the grass,” said one jogger. “Now we’ve got a reptile rehab?”

Karp dismissed concerns that the shelter might become permanent, insisting the iguanas would be released back into the community once they thawed out and “felt emotionally ready.”

“They’re not invasive,” she said. “They’re just misunderstood.”

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