Exotic tegu ‘lizard in a blizzard’ found buried alive in Rhode Island snowstorm

The “lizard in the blizzard” is actively recovering.

A man clearing snow after last week’s severe winter storm in Providence, Rhode Island, made a shocking discovery when he spotted a large exotic tegu lizard buried under about 20 inches of snow, according to the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC).

The cold-blooded reptile named “Frankie” was alive and was immediately brought inside to help maintain heat, the nonprofit said.

“This is not something even a snow-hardened New Englander would expect to find,” NEWC said in a Facebook post describing the moment the reptile, a black-and-white tegu, was found slowly trying to crawl out of the snow.

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NEWC said the man wrapped the lizard in a T-shirt and contacted reptile experts for help.

ET Reptiles, a reptile store in nearby Warwick, said its co-owners intervened immediately after being contacted and took the animal back.

“It was a busy 24 hours,” ET Reptiles wrote on Facebook, adding that they were “beyond grateful” to be able to step in and care for the lizard.

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This photo provided by the New England Wildlife Center shows a tegu lizard found buried in snow in Providence, RI (New England Wildlife Center via AP)

Accordingly NBCBostonThe discovery comes after a blizzard passed through the region on Sunday, dumping heavy snowfall on parts of Rhode Island.

Veterinarians later found the tegu to be “extremely weak, emaciated, and unable to move well,” according to NEWC.

The group said Frankie suffered frostbite on his tongue and showed “severe muscle weakness due to prolonged exposure to cold.”

The Wildlife Center said a small section of “non-living tissue” from the tegu’s tongue was cut out as part of the treatment. The animal also received supportive care, including steroids to relieve inflammation and weakness.

This photo provided by the New England Wildlife Center shows a tegu lizard found buried in snow in Providence, RI (New England Wildlife Center via AP)

Frankie is now “resting comfortably and finally warming up, which makes a big difference!” NEWC said in a social media post. “We will root for a good outcome and share updates as we get them.”

Tegu lizards are native to South America and popular in the pet trade, according to NEWC and ET Reptiles.

ET Reptiles warned that although it is legal to own in Rhode Island, the lizards “will not survive New England winters outdoors.”

“It is unclear at this time where the lizard came from,” NEWC said, adding that it did not know whether the animal escaped or was left on purpose.

“I contacted animal control,” said Taylor Faria, co-owner of ET Reptiles. he told WPRI. “They stated that they did not receive any calls.”

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Anyone with information about the lizard or whose tegu is missing is asked to contact NEWC or ET Reptiles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.