The Astonishing Backyard Find (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Providence, Rhode Island – A man clearing his driveway after a heavy snowstorm uncovered an unexpected survivor buried beneath nearly 20 inches of snow.[1][2]
The Astonishing Backyard Find
A Providence resident shoveled snow from his driveway along a busy street on Tuesday when he spotted movement in the drift. The creature turned out to be a large black-and-white tegu lizard, struggling to emerge from its frozen tomb. Rescuers later described the scene as one no New Englander would anticipate, even after years of harsh winters.[2]
The man acted swiftly. He carried the reptile indoors and wrapped it in a T-shirt to retain what little body heat remained. Staff at the New England Wildlife Center noted the lizard arrived in dire straits: extremely weak, underweight, and barely mobile.[1]
Swift Action Saves a Cold-Blooded Life
The homeowner contacted ET Reptiles, a Warwick shop specializing in the animals. Co-owner Taylor Faria and her team rushed to retrieve the tegu, which they named Frankie. They transported it to veterinarians at the New England Wildlife Center for emergency care.[3]
Doctors Mertz and Gannaway diagnosed frostbite on the tongue and toes, along with severe muscle weakness known as cold-induced myopathy. They amputated a small section of nonviable tongue tissue and administered steroids to combat inflammation. Within days, Frankie began to stabilize, finally warm and resting comfortably.[4][2]
What Makes Tegus Tick – And Freeze
Native to Central and South America, Argentine black-and-white tegus thrive in warm environments and can grow up to five feet long. Popular in the pet trade, they remain legal to own in Rhode Island. However, their cold-blooded nature leaves them vulnerable in subfreezing temperatures, where slowed metabolism leads to tissue damage.[1]
Experts emphasize that these lizards burrow during dry seasons in the wild but cannot endure New England blizzards outdoors. The storm that dumped the heavy snow exacerbated the crisis, burying Frankie deep enough to trap it for an unknown duration.[3]
- Tegus require heated enclosures to mimic tropical habitats.
- Prolonged cold causes cell failure and muscle injury.
- They have become invasive in warmer states like Florida due to releases.
- Owners must plan for their long lifespans, up to 20 years.
- Emergency signs include lethargy and refusal to eat.
Mystery Surrounds Frankie’s Origins
Investigators puzzled over how the tegu ended up in the snow. Animal control reported no missing pet alerts. Faria urged owners: if Frankie escaped by mistake, come forward without fear.[2]
Whether abandoned or an escapee, the incident highlights risks of exotic pets in unsuitable climates. Wildlife centers now monitor Frankie’s progress closely, promising updates as recovery continues.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Exotic pets like tegus demand specialized winter care in cold regions.
- Quick intervention prevented a fatal outcome for Frankie.
- Report lost reptiles immediately to aid rescues.
This tale of survival underscores the perils of extreme weather on non-native species. Frankie’s brush with death serves as a reminder for responsible pet ownership amid shifting climates. What surprises have you uncovered in your backyard lately? Share in the comments.
