Reptile Group Fighting Proposed Rhode Island Ban On Exotic Lizards

A reptile group has come out against a proposed Rhode Island ban on certain huge exotic South American lizards.

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers has issued an alert regarding the "Rhode Island tegu ban" and encouraged sending emails to David Kalb, the state's supervising wildlife biologist.

Under the subject line, "No to tegu ban," the sample email provided by the Association of Reptile Keepers reads as follows:

I write today as a Rhode Island resident opposing the proposed ban on two tegu genera, Salvator and Tupinamibis. The species in these genera are common pet lizards. I fully support protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources and wildlife, but these lizards are not an invasive species threat in our state or invasive within 1,000 miles of our state. This ban is unreasonable. There is no valid reason to stop the ownership, trade, and commercialization of this species.

This prohibition is unjust and unfair, with no justification such as invasive species or public safety risks. Thank you, and have a good day.

Related: Huge South American Lizard Found By Providence Man Shoveling Driveway

The Association of Reptile Keepers noted that the discovery of a tegu in a Providence driveway during January's blizzard may have played a part in the proposed ban.

A Providence man shoveling his driveway discovered the huge, frozen South American lizard clinging to life beneath 20 inches of snow, according to the New England Wildlife Center.

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"He kindly brought the lizard inside right away and wrapped him in a t shirt to help conserve heat," the wildlife center said in a Facebook post. "He then reached out to Taylor and Emily, co owners of ET Reptiles, who responded immediately and went to retrieve the animal to give him the best possible chance of survival."

In March, the wildlife center posted that the tegu, "Frankie the miracle lizard," was "thriving."

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"Frankie the miracle lizard is doing so well," the post said. "Her tongue has fully healed, she’s eating normally again, and her back legs are getting stronger by the day. She’s about 95% back to her old self, with no more surgeries needed!

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The discovery and life-saving rescue may have led to the proposed ban on tegus, the Association of Reptile Keepers pointed out.

"The tegu ban likely stems from the discovery of a tegu in a driveway in January 2026," the association said. "While the tegu would have died had it not been rescued, escapes and releases easily trigger bans."

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