A Rhode Island resident experienced a startling winter surprise when he uncovered a large tegu lizard buried beneath nearly 20 inches of snow outside his home, following the region's latest severe winter storm. The unexpected discovery occurred on the busier streets of Providence, where the reptile, a species native to South America, was found barely moving as it struggled to push itself out of the deep snow accumulation, according to a post from the New England Wildlife Center.
Swift Rescue and Emergency Care
Despite the shock, the resident acted promptly. He brought the lizard indoors, wrapped it in a T-shirt to conserve its minimal body heat, and contacted Taylor and Emily, co-owners of ET Reptiles, for assistance. The pair responded immediately, retrieving the animal and beginning a gradual warming process while arranging emergency veterinary care.
Critical Condition and Veterinary Treatment
The tegu was transported to the New England Wildlife Center, where veterinarians Dr. Greg Mertz and Dr. Alyssa Gannaway assessed the reptile in critical condition. It was extremely weak, underweight, and barely able to move. The lizard's tongue had suffered frostbite, and it showed signs of cold-induced myopathy, a form of muscle injury caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
Reptiles like tegus are cold-blooded, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature internally. When exposed to freezing weather, their metabolism slows dramatically, circulation becomes compromised, and tissue can begin to die. Experts emphasize that tegus stand virtually no chance of surviving New England winter conditions on their own.
Recovery and Ongoing Support
The Odd Pet Vet team amputated a small piece of nonviable tissue from the lizard's tongue and provided supportive care, including steroids to address inflammation and generalized weakness. Staff confirmed in a Facebook post that the tegu is now resting comfortably and, most importantly, warm. They stated, 'Stories like this are a reminder of how dependent these animals are on the right care and informed humans,' thanking ET Reptiles for their rapid response and ongoing work to support responsible reptile ownership.
Mystery Surrounding the Tegu's Origin
Where the tegu came from remains a mystery. It is unclear whether it escaped from a nearby home or was intentionally released. The New England Wildlife Center is asking anyone with information, or anyone missing a tegu, to contact them or ET Reptiles. The center shared photos showing the lizard upon arrival and after treatment with Dr. Mertz and Dr. Gannaway.
Invasive Species Concerns
While tegus cannot survive New England winters, they have become a major invasive species in Florida, according to the Jacksonville Zoo. The zoo explained that the lizards established themselves in the wild after unprepared owners either allowed them to escape or released them once the animals grew too large to manage. Their presence poses a serious ecological threat because they breed rapidly, with females laying anywhere from 10 to 70 eggs at a time, and prey on native birds, reptiles, and small mammals, putting threatened and endangered species at further risk.
Their intelligence, size, and ability to adapt mean they spread quickly through the landscape, prompting Florida to ban their sale in 2021 and require existing owners to microchip and keep them indoors at all times. Staff at the New England Wildlife Center say they will be 'rooting for a good outcome' and will provide updates as the tegu's recovery continues.
