Midtown, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A Midtown family was startled when an Australian knob-tailed gecko emerged from their fireplace. The unusual visitor caused panic among Annie Hulett and her daughters, who ran around their home in disbelief. Experts provide insights into the gecko’s behavior, highlighting the prevalence of wildlife encounters in urban areas. Local journalism plays a vital role in documenting such incidents and encouraging community support for free access to news.
Midtown
A family in Midtown recently experienced a surprising encounter when an Australian knob-tailed gecko made an unexpected appearance in their home, crawling out of their fireplace. The incident startled Annie Hulett and her two daughters, leading them to panic and run around the house while screaming in disbelief at the curious visitor.
In the midst of the commotion, Hulett recalled their astonishment as they questioned how a lizard ended up inside their home. The gecko was seen wandering about on the mantel above the fireplace, causing more excitement for the startled family. After a brief excursion into their living space, the gecko retreated back into the fireplace.
Hulett and her daughters hoped that the unusual guest would not linger and would simply find its way back into the confines of the fireplace. However, they were left wondering about the origins of such a reptilian surprise.
Insights from a Herpetology Expert
To provide context for this peculiar incident, Chris Baker, a herpetology expert from the Memphis Zoo, shared information regarding the Australian knob-tailed gecko’s habits. These lizards are known for their unique appearance and behavior, which can sometimes lead them to wander into unusual locations.
Community Engagement and Support for Local Journalism
The Midtown incident reflects a broader trend of residents sharing their uncanny experiences with local wildlife. Local journalism plays a crucial role in documenting these events and providing communities with timely information. One nonprofit organization has been dedicated to offering free news access at K-12 schools, public libraries, and community organizations throughout the area. They operate with a team of nearly 40 local journalists and over 20 regular freelancers, helping to keep the community informed.
Encouragement for Community Support
Readers are encouraged to consider subscribing to gain unlimited access to news coverage and support local trade through tax-deductible donations to sustain journalistic efforts within the area. The organization not only covers written news articles but also produces various media content, including podcasts and collaborations with radio and television.
Conclusion
The encounter with the Australian knob-tailed gecko has not just been a unique story for the Hulett family, but also serves as an interesting reminder of the wildlife that can pop up in urban settings. The incident highlights the importance of local journalism in capturing and communicating these surprises in everyday life.
FAQ Section
What type of lizard surprised the Midtown family?
Annie Hulett and her daughters encountered an Australian knob-tailed gecko.
How did the family react when they saw the gecko?
The family was startled and reacted by running around and screaming in disbelief.
Where did the gecko appear in their home?
The gecko crawled out of their fireplace and was seen on the mantel.
What did the family hope would happen after the gecko returned to the fireplace?
The family hoped that the gecko would simply go away after returning to the fireplace.
Who provided information about the Australian knob-tailed gecko?
Chris Baker, a herpetology expert at the Memphis Zoo, provided information related to the incident.
What is the mission of the nonprofit news organization mentioned in the article?
The organization offers free news access at K-12 schools, public libraries, and community organizations.
Key Features of the Midland Gecko Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Lizard | Australian knob-tailed gecko |
| Location of Incident | Midtown, in a family home |
| Family Reaction | Startled and panicked, running around and screaming |
| Expert Commentary | Insights from a herpetology expert at the Memphis Zoo |
| Significance | Illustrates wildlife encounters in urban areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Unexpected Encounter with a Knob-tailed Gecko in Midtown Memphis
Additional Resources
- Local News: Midtown Gecko Encounter
- Wikipedia: Australian Knob-tailed Gecko
- Wildlife Organization: Urban Encounters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lizard
- Google News: Midtown Gecko Incident
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
