It sounds like the setup for a bizarre local joke, but for one Providence resident, the Lizard in a blizzard became a startling reality this week. In a story that is quickly capturing headlines across the nation, a man shoveling out from the recent winter storm discovered a 4-foot Argentine black-and-white Tegu buried alive under nearly two feet of snow in his driveway. The tropical reptile, now recovering after emergency surgery, is being hailed as a miracle survivor in what officials are calling one of the most unusual Rhode Island weird news stories of 2026.

A Shocking Discovery in Providence

The discovery occurred on Tuesday, January 27, in the aftermath of a punishing nor'easter that dumped heavy snow across New England. Francis Hardy was clearing his driveway in Providence when his shovel uncovered something that definitely didn't belong in a frozen New England landscape. Buried beneath approximately 20 inches of snow was a massive, scaly tail.

"She was stiff as a rock," Hardy later told local reporters. "I didn't know if she was still alive or not. But all of a sudden she kind of gave me a little squirm."

Recognizing the animal was in critical distress, Hardy acted quickly. He scooped up the rigid reptile, brought it indoors, and wrapped it in a warm T-shirt. This quick thinking likely saved the animal's life. He then contacted ET Reptiles, a specialty store in nearby Warwick, whose co-owners rushed to the scene to assist with the Tegu lizard Providence rescue.

Emergency Surgery and a Miraculous Recovery

The lizard, now affectionately nicknamed "Frankie" after her rescuer, was transported to the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC) for urgent medical attention. Veterinary teams faced a grim prognosis. Tegu lizards are native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America and rely on external heat to regulate their metabolism. Prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures typically leads to rapid cell failure and death.

Frostbite and Amputation

Upon arrival, Frankie was extremely weak, severely underweight, and suffering from significant cold exposure. The most immediate concern was her tongue. The delicate tissue had suffered severe frostbite, likely from the lizard attempting to sense her freezing surroundings before succumbing to the cold.

Veterinarians performed emergency surgery to amputate the necrotic portion of the tongue to prevent infection from spreading. "He is now resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes all the difference," the NEWC shared in a statement, noting that the reptile is also receiving steroid treatments to aid recovery. While she lost part of her tongue and may lose a few toes, doctors are optimistic about her quality of life moving forward.

The Rising Issue of Abandoned Exotic Pets

While Frankie's survival is a feel-good story, it highlights a troubling trend in exotic pet rescue stories. The New England Wildlife Center noted that it is unclear whether Frankie escaped a nearby enclosure or was intentionally abandoned, but the latter is a growing concern.

Tegus are intelligent, dog-like lizards that have become popular in the pet trade. However, they require specialized care, large enclosures, and expensive diets. When owners become overwhelmed—or when the animals grow to their full 4-foot length—they are sometimes released into the wild, a death sentence in northern climates like Rhode Island.

In states like Florida, released Tegus have become an invasive species, but in the freezing Northeast, they simply cannot survive without human intervention. This incident serves as a stark reminder to potential pet owners to research the lifelong commitment required for exotic animals.

Community Rallies Around 'Frankie'

The story of the winter storm survival miracle has resonated with the local community. Social media posts from the wildlife center have been flooded with support, with thousands following Frankie's daily progress. The nickname "Lizard in a Blizzard" has stuck, turning a victim of animal neglect into a local celebrity.

For now, Frankie remains under close observation. Her appetite is slowly returning, and despite the trauma to her tongue, she is beginning to show signs of the intelligence and curiosity Tegus are known for. It is a rare happy ending for Providence RI animal news, made possible only by a homeowner who paid attention to what he was shoveling.