5-foot Reptile Spotted Near Charlotte County

Lina PortmanMay 30, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Renee Aland had to do a double take when she spotted a 5-foot lizard on the side of the road.

It wasn't an alligator, at least not with a tongue that long.

Aland spotted the monitor lizard, possibly an Asian monitor lizard, while driving along Hillsborough Boulevard in North Port, just north of the Charlotte County line. She spotted him coming out of the woods near a canal behind a Kia dealership south of Bamboo Drive.

Here's what you need to know about monitor lizards and where you're most likely to encounter them in Florida.

What is a Nile monitor lizard?

The Nile monitor lizard is a semi-aquatic lizard.

Identifying characteristics include:

Olive green to black in color with cream or yellow stripes on the jaw and head.
Rows of yellowish V-shaped stripes starting at the base of the skull and neck and transitioning into bands or spots along the back.
Slightly banded tails are typically 1.5 times their body length and shaped like a rudder to aid swimming.
It can grow over 5 feet long.

Where are Nile monitor lizards most likely to be spotted in Florida?

Nile monitors are established in Lee, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, although sightings have occurred throughout the state, including multiple sightings in Broward County, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

There are breeding populations of Nile monitor lizards in Lee, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

Nile monitor lizards can be seen basking on rocks and branches and are often seen in or near water.

They are mostly active during the day. At night, they may sleep on branches or submerged in water in warm weather or retreat to burrows in cooler weather.

Nile instructors are skilled climbers and skilled swimmers. They can stay underwater for 12 to 15 minutes.

Several types of monitor lizards observed in Florida

Other monitor lizard species, such as the common monitor lizard (Varanus savior) and savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematica) have been found in South Florida, but without any evidence of breeding, the FWC said.

The common water lizard is also known as the Asian water monitor.

Where do Nile monitors come from in Florida?

Researchers believe that Nile monitor lizard populations in Florida originate from intentional and unintentional releases of animals in captivity.

Are Nile monitor lizards dangerous or venomous?

Nile monitor lizards have sharp teeth, strong jaws and sharp claws and, like any wild animal, they will defend themselves if aggravated or threatened, the FWC said.

Asian water monitors secrete venom, but it is not fatal to humans, according to The Repatrium.

“They are generally quite docile in nature and are not known to attack humans at all. If they do, it would only be to defend themselves against threat or danger. This can prompt them to bite, which can cause injury would be the biggest concern, so medical attention should be sought.”

What do Nile monitor lizards eat?

Monitor lizards are predators that eat mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and eggs.

Nile monitors can impact state and federally listed species, including sea turtles, wading birds, gopher tortoises, and the American crocodile.

In areas where Nile monitor lizards are abundant, they have also attacked small pets and livestock like chickens, the FWC said.

Are Nile monitors legal in Florida?

Nile monitor lizards are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

In 2021, Nile monitors were added to Florida's list of prohibited species.

Can you kill a Nile monitor lizard?

Nile monitors are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with permission of the landowner. This species can be humanely captured and killed year-round and without permits or licenses to hunt 32 species managed by the Commission in South Florida.

What to do if you see a Nile monitor lizard?

The FWC encourages reports of Nile monitor sightings. Take a photo, note the location and report this information using the free IveGot1 mobile app, by calling IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681) or reporting online at IveGot1.org.

Lina Portman

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