Curious Lizard Causes Power Outage at Oklahoma State University

Reptile disruption leads to campus-wide blackout

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A curious lizard caused a major disruption at Oklahoma State University on Tuesday afternoon, temporarily knocking out power to much of the campus. The incident led to a campus-wide blackout as crews worked to remove the reptile and restore electricity.

Why it matters

Power outages can significantly disrupt university operations, affecting classes, research, and campus life. This incident highlights the potential for unexpected events, like a wandering lizard, to have widespread impacts on an academic institution.

The details

According to reports, the lizard somehow made its way into an electrical substation on the OSU campus, triggering a short circuit that caused the power outage. Facilities crews were quickly dispatched to the substation, where they safely removed the lizard and worked to restore electricity across the affected areas.

  • The power outage occurred on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 around 2:30 PM local time.
  • Electricity was fully restored to the OSU campus within 90 minutes of the initial disruption.

The players

Oklahoma State University

A public research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with over 25,000 students enrolled.

Facilities Crew

The team of campus maintenance and operations staff responsible for addressing infrastructure issues at Oklahoma State University.

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What they’re saying

“We've had some unusual power disruptions over the years, but a curious lizard is definitely a new one for us.”

— John Watkins, Director of Facilities Management, Oklahoma State University (KFOR 4 Oklahoma City)

What’s next

Oklahoma State University officials stated they will review campus electrical infrastructure and explore additional safeguards to prevent future disruptions from wildlife intrusions.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that even small, unexpected events can have significant impacts on large institutions like universities, underscoring the importance of proactive facilities management and emergency preparedness.