‘Not a Komodo dragon.’ So what was this curious critter a Florida homeowner found?
What in the world?
Wild Rescue Florida posted two pictures Thursday on Facebook of an unusual creature discovered on the Space Coast.
Spoiler alert: The critter was 100 percent not a Komodo dragon, an apex predator and largest of the lizard species.
The Melbourne-based volunteer organization told followers that a homeowner in the area called them about this “large, curious-looking lizard, assuming it was out of place and may need help.”
The homeowner, who tossed some Tupperware over the thing to keep it contained, was correct in that assumption.
After the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was summoned, the little guy or gal was pegged as a Savannah monitor, a lizard native to Africa.
WRF goes on to explain that since there are “no known colonies in the area of this non native species,” the creature is most likely someone’s lost pet.
In one pic, veteran FWC trapper Frank Robb is holding the beige, striped reptile that is “fond of basking and hunting, the only two priorities of their life!” says the post.
According to EverythingReptiles.com, if this critter looks chill, that’s because it is: Savannahs are naturally docile.
“They are not overly active creatures and usually tolerate handling,” says the informational website.
The post reminds folks to keep track of their exotics and never release them into the wild as it’s not only against the law but cruel and potentially damaging to the environment.
“Pets have no defense from predators and most likely will struggle to find food,” says the organization. “If they do survive they may colonize and become a disaster for our ecosystem and biodiversity.”
The release was later updated to say the monitor was later reunited with its owners.
READ MORE: A woman in Florida finds a lizard in her pants and posts it on TikTok
