Florida wildlife officials recently netted a target they had been hunting for more than a year.
The Asian water monitor had been spotted around the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex, but despite setting traps, the big lizard had eluded capture.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posted photos of the 5 foot 2 inch, 20-pound lizard after its capture.
According to Reptiles Magazine, the water monitor is native to South Asia and feeds on rodents, insects, mollusks and fish.
They are kept as pets, which means this one probably either escaped from or was released by a pet owner who couldn't care for it.
FWC said nonnative wildlife like this water monitor poses a threat to native species.
If you have an exotic pet you can no longer care for, FWC has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program that can help.
Officials said if you see an invasive species, take a photo and report it using the free IveGot1 app or IveGot1.org or by calling the Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (483-4681).
What other people are reading right now:
- Florida woman smiling in mugshot sentenced in deadly DUI crash
- Video shows woman try to kidnap toddler from McDonald's, police say
- He was murdered and his wife shot. The killers were just convicted in his death.
- He was targeted for human trafficking through his mom. Now, he shares his story to help others.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis has tense exchange with school board member during first lady's visit
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
