Exotic Tegu Lizard Found Buried in Rhode Island Snow

Homeowner discovers weakened reptile while shoveling driveway

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A Providence, Rhode Island man found an exotic tegu lizard buried under 20 inches of snow while shoveling his driveway. The lizard was in poor health, suffering from frostbite and muscle weakness due to prolonged exposure to the cold. Veterinarians at the New England Wildlife Center amputated part of the tegu's tongue and provided steroids to aid in its recovery.

Why it matters

Tegu lizards are not native to Rhode Island, and their discovery buried in the snow raises questions about how the animal ended up in such a precarious situation. The incident highlights the challenges exotic pets can face in harsh winter climates, as well as the importance of proper care and oversight for non-native species.

The details

The tegu lizard was found by a Providence resident shoveling his driveway after a heavy snowfall. The reptile was extremely weak, underweight, and suffering from frostbite and muscle weakness due to prolonged exposure to the cold temperatures. Veterinarians at the New England Wildlife Center provided emergency medical treatment, including amputating part of the tegu's tongue and administering steroids to aid in its recovery.

  • The tegu lizard was discovered on January 31, 2026 while the homeowner was shoveling his driveway after a snowstorm.

The players

New England Wildlife Center

A wildlife rehabilitation and education center that provides medical treatment and care for injured, orphaned, and displaced animals.

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What they’re saying

“We've never seen anything like this before - a tegu lizard buried under 20 inches of snow. It's a miracle the poor thing survived.”

— Dr. Sarah Thompson, Veterinarian, New England Wildlife Center

What’s next

The New England Wildlife Center plans to monitor the tegu lizard's recovery and determine if it can be safely released back into the wild or if it will need to be placed in a permanent home.

The takeaway

This unusual discovery highlights the challenges exotic pets can face in harsh winter climates, and the importance of proper care and oversight to ensure the wellbeing of non-native species.