Midtown Memphis, September 22, 2025
News Summary
A family in Midtown Memphis was startled when a knob-tailed gecko, native to Australia, emerged from their fireplace. The unexpected visit triggered a humorous panic as they tried to figure out how to handle the situation. Thankfully, the gecko eventually returned to the fireplace, leaving the family relieved and hopeful that it wouldn’t return. A herpetology expert from the Memphis Zoo provided insights on the harmless nature of the species, reminding the community of the unpredictability of wildlife encounters in urban areas.
Memphis โ A family in Midtown Memphis experienced an unexpected and startling encounter with an unusual visiting creatureโa knob-tailed gecko, native to Australia. The incident unfolded when Annie Hulett and her two daughters were relaxing at home and the lizard emerged from their fireplace, causing immediate alarm and surprise.
The family was startled by the sudden appearance of the lizard, leading them to exclaim in astonishment about having a lizard in their home. Their initial shock quickly escalated into a humorous panic as they ran around the living room, expressing their disbelief. For a few moments, there was chaos as they attempted to understand how the gecko got there and what to do next.
The knob-tailed gecko crawled onto the mantel, prompting further agitation among the family members who were uncertain about handling the unexpected visitor. Fortunately, after some time, the gecko made its way back into the fireplace, successfully exiting their living space. The family was left hoping that it would not return and would leave their home peacefully.
To provide some context about the species they encountered, Chris Baker, a herpetology expert at the Memphis Zoo, noted that knob-tailed geckos are generally harmless and are not native to the area. Such reptiles can sometimes become wanderers due to pet releases or accidental introductions. The incident serves as a reminder of how wildlife encounters can occasionally disrupt everyday life, bringing both fear and humor.
This event has sparked local interest, illustrating the variety of wildlife that can appear unexpectedly in urban areas. The encounter has also highlighted the kinds of surprises that can accompany everyday scenarios, making it a unique story shared among community members in Memphis.
In addition, this story was highlighted through journalistic efforts emphasizing the importance of local news coverage. Community contributions through various media help keep residents informed about such engaging stories and occurrences in their area.
For those interested in remaining updated on local news from Memphis, a subscription service is available that supports public good through its nonprofit status and outreach initiatives.
FAQ
What type of creature did the family encounter?
The family encountered an Australian knob-tailed gecko in their Midtown home.
How did the family react when they saw the gecko?
The family was startled and ran around the house expressing surprise and fear.
Where did the gecko initially appear?
The gecko crawled out of the fireplace while the family was sitting in the living room.
What did the family do when the gecko crawled onto the mantel?
They panicked further as they did not know how to handle the situation.
What did the family hope would happen after the gecko returned to the fireplace?
The family hoped the gecko would leave their home peacefully.
Is the knob-tailed gecko dangerous?
No, knob-tailed geckos are generally harmless reptiles.
What is the role of Chris Baker mentioned in the article?
Chris Baker is a herpetology expert at the Memphis Zoo, providing information about the species.
Why is the familyโs experience noteworthy?
The experience adds a humorous twist to a surprising encounter with wildlife and highlights the unpredictability of daily life.
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Key Features of the Encounter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Midtown Memphis |
| Type of Creature | Australian knob-tailed gecko |
| Initial Reaction | Startled and panicked response from the family |
| Outcome | Gecko crawled back into fireplace, leaving house |
| Expert Participant | Chris Baker, herpetology expert at Memphis Zoo |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KTLO: 4 Children Struck By Gunfire After Masked Suspects Shoot At Memphis Home
- Wikipedia: Wildlife in Memphis
- KTLO: West Memphis Woman Sentenced in Inmate’s Fentanyl Death
- Google Search: Knob-tailed Gecko
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Zoo Babies Born in 2023
- Google Scholar: Herpetology
- KTLO: Robbery Suspects Caught After High-Speed Chase into Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- KTLO: Closures to I-55 Mississippi River Bridge Have Been Extended
- Google News: Memphis Local News
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 areaโwith 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.
