Video ‘Lizard in a Blizzard’ saved, healing after frostbite from winter tempest
‘Frankie,’ a tegu lizard, was rescued after being located under nearly two feet of snow in Rhode Island recently, experiencing frostbite on its tongue and several digits. (Credit: WPRI)
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The “lizard in a blizzard” is actively on the mend.
A resident of Providence, Rhode Island, shoveling snow following last week’s significant winter weather event had a startling encounter when he noticed a sizable exotic tegu lizard buried beneath approximately 20 inches of snow, per the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC).
The nonprofit shared that the cold-blooded reptile, “Frankie,” was still living and was promptly taken inside to aid in heat retention.
“This is not something even the most weather-toughened New Englander would anticipate encountering,” the NEWC stated in a Facebook update, narrating the instance the reptile, a black-and-white tegu, was discovered gradually attempting to surface from the snow.
“Frankie” the tegu lizard is currently in recovery after being uncovered beneath almost two feet of snow last weekend in Rhode Island. (WPRI)
The NEWC mentioned that the man swathed the lizard in a T-shirt and reached out to reptile specialists for support.
ET Reptiles, a pet store specializing in reptiles in nearby Warwick, reported that its co-owners responded quickly after being contacted and collected the animal.
“It was a hectic 24 hours,” ET Reptiles posted on Facebook, adding they were “extremely grateful” they could step in and provide the lizard with care.
This image, courtesy of the New England Wildlife Center, displays a tegu lizard located buried in snow in Providence, R.I. (New England Wildlife Center via AP)
According to NBC Boston, the find occurred after a snowstorm passed through the area on Sunday, depositing substantial snowfall across sections of Rhode Island.
Veterinarians subsequently determined the tegu to be “exceptionally frail, underweight, and exhibiting reduced mobility,” according to the NEWC.
The organization conveyed that Frankie suffered frostbite on its tongue and displayed “considerable muscular weakness resulting from prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures.”
A minor section of “non-viable tissue” from the tegu’s tongue was removed as part of the treatment, the wildlife center revealed. The animal also was given supportive care, including steroids, to alleviate inflammation and weakness.
This image, provided by the New England Wildlife Center, depicts a tegu lizard that was discovered buried in snow in Providence, R.I. (New England Wildlife Center via AP)
Frankie is now “resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes a world of difference!” the NEWC commented in a social media update. “We will be hoping for a positive outcome and will share updates as they become available.”
As per the NEWC and ET Reptiles, tegu lizards are indigenous to South America and are well-liked in the exotic pet market.
While legal to possess in Rhode Island, ET Reptiles cautioned that the lizards “cannot endure outdoor conditions during New England winters.”
“It’s presently unknown where the lizard originated from,” the NEWC indicated, adding it remains uncertain whether the animal escaped or was deliberately released.
“I got in touch with animal control,” ET Reptiles co-owner Taylor Faria informed WPRI. “They mentioned that they haven’t received any calls.”
Anyone with details regarding the lizard or who may be missing a tegu has been encouraged to reach out to the NEWC or ET Reptiles.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.