According to reports, the incident occurred on May 9. Footage from the scene showed the lizard hiding among leaves as Olímpio directed water toward it.
However, moments later, the reptile suddenly lunged at him and clamped its jaws onto his hand.
The bite reportedly caused severe injuries, prompting his transfer to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Doctors treated his injuries on the same day, but due to the extent of the damage, part of one of his fingers had to be amputated during surgery.
The reptile involved in the incident was identified as a black-and-white tegu, scientifically known as Salvator merianae, which is regarded as the largest lizard species in Brazil.
The species can grow to around 50 centimeters (20 inches) in body length, while some individuals can reach up to 2 meters (7 feet) when their tails are included.
Black-and-white tegus are omnivorous and feed on a wide variety of foods, including carrion, insects, birds, rodents, amphibians, eggs, fruits, leaves, and other reptiles.
See video below………
Man Loses Part of Finger After Being Bitten by Giant Lizard While Trying to Give It Water pic.twitter.com/I1bwNMxbeK
— Iamelizabeth (@elizabethblogng) June 12, 2026
