Exotic Tegu Lizard Found Buried in Rhode Island Snow

The large reptile was discovered by a man shoveling his driveway in Providence.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:47pm

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A Rhode Island man made an unexpected discovery while shoveling his driveway this week - an exotic tegu lizard buried under nearly two feet of snow. The man brought the weak and underweight tegu inside, wrapped it in a shirt, and contacted a local reptile rescue organization to retrieve the animal for further care. Veterinarians found the tegu was suffering from frostbite and cold-induced muscle damage after prolonged exposure to the frigid temperatures.

Why it matters

Tegus are not native to the Northeast and are considered an invasive species in parts of the U.S. like Florida and Georgia. The discovery of this tegu in a Providence driveway raises questions about how the reptile ended up there and whether it escaped or was intentionally released, which could pose ecological risks if the animal had survived.

The details

The large tegu was slowly trying to crawl its way out from under the snow when the Rhode Island man found it. Veterinarians at the New England Wildlife Center's exotic animal clinic determined the tegu was extremely weak, underweight, and showing signs of frostbite after prolonged exposure to the cold temperatures. A small portion of the tegu's tongue had to be amputated, and the lizard received steroids to help with inflammation and weakness.

  • On January 29, 2026, a Rhode Island man discovered the tegu lizard while shoveling his driveway in Providence.

The players

New England Wildlife Center

A wildlife rehabilitation organization that retrieved the tegu lizard and provided veterinary care.

ET Reptiles

A reptile rescue organization in Warwick, Rhode Island that retrieved the tegu lizard from the New England Wildlife Center.

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What they’re saying

“Reptiles are cold blooded, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures drop too low for too long, their metabolism slows, blood flow is compromised, and cells begin to fail.”

— New England Wildlife Center

“He is now resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes all the difference!”

— New England Wildlife Center

What’s next

Wildlife officials are urging anyone with information about how the tegu lizard ended up in the Providence driveway to contact the New England Wildlife Center or ET Reptiles.

The takeaway

The discovery of this exotic tegu lizard buried in the snow in Rhode Island highlights the potential risks of invasive species being released or escaping into new environments, and the importance of proper care and containment for non-native animals.