An unidentified Rhode Island resident uncovered a large tegu lizard buried beneath nearly 20 inches of snow outside his home following the region’s latest winter storm. The reptile, a species native to South America, was found barely moving as it tried to push itself out of the deep snow. Despite the surprise, the resident acted quickly. He took the lizard inside, wrapped it in a t-shirt to conserve what little body heat it had, and contacted a local reptile shop for help. Emily and Taylor, co-owners of ET Reptiles, retrieved the tegu immediately and began warming it gradually while arranging emergency care. The animal was then transported to the New England Wildlife Center, where veterinarians Dr. Greg Mertz and Dr. Alyssa Gannaway found the reptile in critical condition. He was extremely weak, underweight and barely able to move. His tongue had suffered frostbite, and he showed signs of cold‑induced myopathy — a form of muscle injury caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Reptiles are cold‑blooded, meaning they can't regulate their body temperature internally. When exposed to freezing weather, their metabolism slows dramatically, circulation becomes compromised, and tissue can begin to die. The veterinary team ended up amputating a small piece of nonviable tissue from the lizard’s tongue and provided supportive care, including steroids to address inflammation and generalized weakness. Where the tegu came from remains a mystery. It's 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. As for now, the tegu is resting comfortably.
