The “Lizard in the Snowstorm” is actively recovering.

providence, rhode islandA man who was clearing snow after last week’s massive winter storm made a shocking discovery when he discovered a giant exotic tegu lizard buried under nearly 20 inches of snow, according to the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC).

The cold-blooded reptile, known as “Frankie,” was still alive and was immediately brought indoors to help conserve heat, the nonprofit said.

“It’s not even the iciest thing New Englander Expected to find. ” NEWC said in a Facebook post, describing the moment the black-and-white taiga reptile was spotted slowly trying to crawl out of the snow.

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Frankie, the tegu lizard found under nearly two feet of snow in Rhode Island over the weekend, is recovering. (WPRI)

NEWC said the man wrapped the lizard in a T-shirt and contacted a reptile expert for help.

ET Reptiles, a reptile shop near Warwick, said its owner responded immediately after being contacted and retrieved the animal.

“It’s been an intense 24 hours,” ET Reptiles wrote on Facebook, adding that they were “extremely grateful” to be able to step in and care for the lizard.

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This photo provided by the New England Wildlife Center shows a tegu lizard found buried in the snow in Providence, Rhode Island. (New England Wildlife Center via AP)

according to nbc bostonThe discovery comes after a snowstorm swept through the region on Sunday, bringing heavy snow to parts of Rhode Island.

Veterinarians later found Tyga to be “extremely weak, underweight and unable to move around,” according to NEWC.

The organization said Frankie suffered frostbite on her tongue and “significant muscle weakness due to prolonged exposure to the cold.”

The wildlife center said a small portion of “non-viable tissue” on Taiga’s tongue was removed as part of the treatment. The animal also received supportive care, including steroids, to address inflammation and weakness.

This photo provided by the New England Wildlife Center shows a tegu lizard found buried in the snow in Providence, Rhode Island. (New England Wildlife Center via AP)

Frankie is now “resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes all the difference!” NEWC said in a social media post. “We will support a good outcome and will share the latest news.”

According to NEWC and ET Reptiles, tegu lizards are native to South America And very popular in the pet industry.

While it’s legal to keep the lizards in Rhode Island, ET Reptiles warns that the lizards “cannot survive outdoors in New England winters.”

“It is unclear where the lizard came from,” NEWC said, adding that it was not known whether the animal escaped or was deliberately released.

“I contacted animal control” Taylor Faria, Co-Owner, ET Reptiles Tell WPRI. “They said they didn’t receive any calls.”

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Anyone with information about the lizard or who may be missing a taiga is asked to contact NEWC or ET Reptiles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.