Nile Monitor Lizard Sightings on the Rise in South Florida

Posted on June 29, 2011

The Nile Monitor is a large lizard which can grow to be seven to nine feet long as adults. The lizard is not native to South Florida, but sightings are on the rise in the region. People probably had them as pets and released them. There have been Nile monitor lizards reported in West Palm Beach and Broward counties. The lizards have reportedly been breeding in local canals, which is why the numbers on the rise. The lizards eat eggs of native birds. The large lizards tend to avoid humans, but could be dangerous when cornered. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the lizards are "known to be very defensive when cornered."

ANIMALS