Miraculous Rescue: ‘Lizard in a Blizzard’ Survives Icy Rhode Island Snowstorm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a remarkable tale of resilience, wildlife experts report that a “lizard in a blizzard” was saved after a man in Rhode Island discovered the sizable reptile entombed in snow, miraculously enduring the icy conditions.

The New England Wildlife Center shared that a resident of Providence found the tegu lizard near his driveway on Tuesday. Acting swiftly, he brought the cold-blooded creature inside, swaddling it in a T-shirt to preserve its body heat.

ET Reptiles, a local reptile store, agreed to assist by transporting the tegu to a veterinary hospital. Upon examination, veterinarians assessed the lizard as “extremely weak, underweight, and lethargic.” The tegu had sustained frostbite on its tongue and exhibited muscle weakness, a result of the cold temperatures that can cause cellular dysfunction in reptiles.

To aid in its recovery, a small section of the tegu’s tongue was amputated.

“He is now resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes all the difference!” the wildlife center shared in a social media update. “We are hopeful for a positive recovery and will provide updates as we receive them.”

The center says it’s unknown if the lizard escaped on its own from wherever it was being kept or was abandoned.

The black and white lizards are native to South America and have become popular in the pet trade. They have become known as an invasive species in certain states, like Florida, as more owners who had intended to keep them as pets abandon them into the wild. They can grow to 4 feet (122 centimeters) long.