Huge South American Lizard Found By Providence Man Shoveling Driveway

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

"Thankfully (it) takes more than a couple feet of snow and a rogue reptile to rattle this resident," the center said in a Facebook post.

"He kindly brought the lizard inside right away and wrapped him in a t shirt to help conserve heat," the post said. "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."

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The tegu gradually up to room temperature while a trip to the New England Wildlife Center hospital was arranged, according to the post.

At the hospital, the lizard was found to be "extremely weak, underweight, and not moving well," the post said. "He had suffered frostbite to his tongue and showed signs of significant muscle weakness after prolonged exposure to the cold."

A small portion of nonviable tissue was amputated from the lizard's tongue and he was "provided supportive care, including steroids, to help address inflammation and generalized weakness," according to the post, that said the lizard was "resting comfortably and finally warm."

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Tegus are native to South America but have become an invasive species in the state of Florida, according to the Jacksonville Zoo.

"These robust reptiles, known for their intelligence and adaptability, were first introduced to the state through the pet trade," according to a post on the zoo's Facebook page. "However, their ability to establish thriving populations — hundreds of them are trapped and removed from the wild every year — has raised serious ecological concerns."

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Tegus mature rapidly and can grow to more than 4-feet long and weigh 20 pounds, per the zoo's page.

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