A large invasive water monitor lizard, measuring approximately 4-5 feet in length, has been spotted near a busy highway in Charlotte County, Florida's Gulf Coast. The nonnative lizard, which is comparable in size to an alligator, was captured on video by a driver who did a double take upon seeing the massive reptile on May 28. The lizard, identified as an Asian monitor lizard, is known for its potential to eat small animals such as cats and dogs. The sighting, which occurred on May 31, has raised concerns among local residents and authorities due to the potential ecological impact of the invasive species.
Huge invasive Asian monitor lizard that eats cats and dogs is filmed running across Florida road by frightened onlookers https://t.co/vxhEU3ZUyX https://t.co/B8LQMfp8XI
Invasive, 5-foot-long lizard seen near road in Florida, video shows: ‘Did a double take’ https://t.co/TByj9M3dzs
A driver in Florida did a double take when she spotted a "4-5 foot" lizard on the side of the road. https://t.co/PrVZ8jpJE9 https://t.co/mr6oVhMgZV
A driver in Florida did a double take when she spotted a "4-5 foot" lizard on the side of the road in the Gulf Coast. https://t.co/McfhFHvxBY
Invasive Lizard ‘Around 5 Feet Long’ Spotted Off Road in Florida https://t.co/YQzXbbYCmO
"Stay in the car!" A driver in Florida did a double take when she spotted a "huge" monitor lizard on the side of the road in the Gulf Coast. https://t.co/RvwDYQo9Zl https://t.co/kgwj0BJIcU
A monitor lizard was spotted near a busy highway in Florida. https://t.co/v9NWhVhSO6 https://t.co/1NE2yb6veA
Nonnative lizard seen strolling in Florida: It's "huge" https://t.co/v5btgXe9ah https://t.co/JimEaOgmdC
Per a reported video, a large invasive water monitor lizard has been spotted in Charlotte County https://t.co/x0GLSaGCse
Invasive lizard the size of an alligator seen along busy Florida road, video shows https://t.co/aphYYJeOoE