Rhode Island Man Finds Large Lizard in Blizzard While Shoveling Driveway

On Tuesday, Francis Hardy was looking out the window of his snow-covered driveway at his Providence, Long Island home when he spotted a lizard in the middle of the blizzard hitting the city.

The large black-and-white tegu was lying unmoving in the snow. Hardy knew he had to try and help, fearing someone might run her over or that she would freeze to death. He picked her up but she was “stiff as a rock.” But then she gave a small squirm, letting him know she was still alive.

Hardy rushed her indoors, wrapped her in T-shirts and towels, and tried to warm her as best he could while also reaching out to experts for help. He called ET Reptiles, who rushed out to take the tegu into their care and named her Frankie after her rescuer.

Frankie was then brought to the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC) for emergency treatment. They aren’t sure how long she was exposed to the cold, but some of her toes and her tongue were frostbitten. She was also diagnosed with a respiratory infection and cold-induced myopathy, which is “essentially muscle injury caused by inadequate circulation and energy at low temperatures,” NEWC explained on social media.

Sadly, Frankie lost a few of her toes and had to have the deadened tissue on the tips of her tongue removed. Veterinarians are cautiously optimistic about her recovery, and ET Reptiles will be caring for and monitoring her health over the next week. They are still looking for Frankie’s owners.

NEWC wrote, “At this time since we are unsure of where this lizard came from — we don’t know if he escaped or if he was intentionally let go — we’re asking if anyone has any info, or is missing this tegu, to please give us or ET Reptiles a call. We will be rooting for a good outcome and will share updates as we have them.”

As for Hardy, he is happy to have saved the lizard. “It may seem insignificant as a lizard,” Hardy told NBC News, “but it’s still a life.”