If you thought your winter commute was rough, wait until you hear about Frankie. In what is quickly becoming the most viral animal rescue story of Rhode Island’s 2026 snowstorm season, a tropical tegu lizard was found buried alive under 20 inches of snow—and his frozen, unimpressed expression is effectively the mood of the year. Dubbed the "Lizard in a Blizzard," this coldblooded survivor has thawed his way into the hearts of millions, turning a life-or-death rescue into a weird news sensation that proves life really does find a way, even in sub-zero New England temperatures.
The "Ice Cube" Discovery in Providence
The story began on a frigid Tuesday in Providence, Rhode Island, following a massive late-January blizzard that dumped nearly two feet of snow across the state. Frank Hardy, a local resident, was trudging through the grueling task of shoveling his driveway when his shovel hit something that definitely wasn't a rock. Buried deep in a snowbank was a large, black-and-white Argentine tegu—a tropical reptile native to South America, not the frozen streets of New England.
At first glance, the creature appeared to be a goner. "He was stiff as a rock," Hardy recounted to local reporters. But just as he was about to process the grim find, the lizard gave a tiny, almost imperceptible squirm. That subtle movement kicked off a frantic rescue mission. Hardy scooped up the freezing reptile, wrapped him in a T-shirt, and rushed him inside to warm up, proving that heroes sometimes wear parkas and wield snow shovels.
Thawing Out: A Miraculous Recovery
Once out of the snow, the rescue effort escalated quickly. Hardy contacted ET Reptiles, a specialty pet store in Warwick, and the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC) to get the animal critical care. The lizard, now aptly named "Frankie" after his rescuer, was in rough shape. Veterinarians discovered he was suffering from severe hypothermia, dehydration, and frostbite—specifically on his toes and tongue.
In a recent update that has fascinated social media, the NEWC reported that Frankie required surgery to amputate part of his frostbitten tongue. While losing a piece of your tongue is hardly a celebration, for a cold-blooded animal to survive being encased in ice for an unknown duration is nothing short of biological defiance. "Reptiles rely on their environment to regulate temperature," a center spokesperson explained. "For him to bounce back from that level of exposure is incredible."
The Internet's New Coldest Icon
As news of Frankie's survival spread, so did his photos. The image of the large lizard, looking remarkably stoic despite his frozen ordeal, has sparked a wave of "Lizard in a Blizzard" memes. Users on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are hailing Frankie as the ultimate symbol of winter resilience—or perhaps just extreme winter grumpy-ness. His vibe—"I am cold, I am displaced, and I would like a heat lamp immediately"—resonates deeply with anyone currently scraping ice off their windshield.
From Invasive Species to Local Celebrity
While the story has a happy ending for Frankie, it raises serious questions about how a tropical pet ended up in a Rhode Island snowbank. Tegus are popular in the exotic pet trade but can grow up to four feet long and become difficult to handle. Wildlife officials suspect Frankie may have been an escaped pet or, more heartbreakingly, abandoned by an owner overwhelmed by his care.
In places like Florida, tegus are considered an invasive species. But in the frozen tundra of a Rhode Island winter, they are simply vulnerable victims of the elements. Frankie's story serves as a stark reminder to pet owners: if you can't care for an exotic animal, surrender it to a shelter—don't leave it to fend for itself in a blizzard.
What's Next for Frankie?
As of this week, Frankie is resting comfortably, enjoying a diet of nutrient-rich food and, most importantly, basking in the warmth of a proper enclosure. He is "finally warm," according to his caretakers, which is really all any of us want this February. While he may have lost a bit of his tongue, he’s gained a legion of fans and a permanent spot in the hall of fame for weird news today.
So, as the snow continues to pile up this winter, let Frankie be your inspiration. If a tropical lizard can survive a Rhode Island blizzard and come out the other side a viral star, you can definitely make it through your morning commute.
