5-foot-long lizard catches animal control officer by surprise in Riverside County
When Riverside County animal control officer Jenny Selter got a call to retrieve a lizard Tuesday, she figured it would be a small garden-variety reptile.
She was taken aback when she rolled onto the scene in Riverside and saw the 5-foot-long animal staring right at her.
"This was no garden lizard," she said in statement.
With the aid of a police officer, she used a pole to capture the lizard and hoist it onto her truck.
The animal is believed to be a black-throated monitor lizard, which is native to Africa, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Department spokesman John Welsh said the lizard was probably someone's pet that escaped. He said it was the largest lizard he has seen.
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Photo: A chihuahua at the animal shelter eyes keeps his eyes on the long lizard. Credit: Riverside County Department of Animal Services
EDITOR'S PICKS:
What are they going to do with it? I'd take it in a second. Talk about controlling the "pests" in my backyard: stray cats, dogs, gophers, raccoons, jays, squirrels, possums and probably even the bears. Tell me where to sign up, I'm way on board with that thing! Hell, they even eat people if they aren't careful. Oh yeah, now I really want one. Tweekers be damned!
Posted by: Ned Flanders | January 25, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Ah Godzilla
Posted by: Quark | January 25, 2011 at 07:28 PM
It looks like Larry King
Posted by: wake up | January 25, 2011 at 08:13 PM
I like the chihuahua in the background. It's looking at that thing thing with a what-the-f expression...
Posted by: Domeboro | January 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM
I love the look on the chihuahua's face in the background of the photo. "Holy $&it, Batman!"
Posted by: clayusmcret | January 26, 2011 at 03:31 AM
The headline should read: Riverside County animal control actually answers calls to remove small garden lizards.
Posted by: Mo | January 26, 2011 at 04:48 AM
Poor thing. As a reptile owner I wish more people were educated on these creatures. Most if raised properly are as docile as any cat or dog and as loving.
Posted by: Rich | January 26, 2011 at 06:16 AM
If you are going lead with the fact the lizard is 5ft, why would the picture be of JUST the lizard's head. The most important fact is it's length (that's why it's in the headline), then show the length of the lizard in the picture. Isn't that Journ. Photog 101?
Posted by: RBoster | January 26, 2011 at 06:17 AM
Omg that thingis as big as bigfoots feet!!! Someone got a little hungry and ate the lawn mower i guess. Mr. godzilla needs to lean proper manners if he wants a date. Plus, what do you do with something that big anyways? Well thats all i have to say on the subject. Bye
Posted by: Sam Rappapory | January 26, 2011 at 07:27 AM
omg that is a nightmare
Posted by: Sam Rappapory | January 26, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Wow, that's very big.
Posted by: MingLinda | January 26, 2011 at 07:33 AM
ES UN garrobo salvatrucha nada mas buenos para una sopa ja ja ja ja saludes hermanos
Posted by: leo | January 26, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Poor thing, looks like the Ex-Wife except 200 Lbs. slimmer, and the lizzard has better skin.
Posted by: AJ Rudd | January 26, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Kill the beast !
Posted by: Dan | January 26, 2011 at 08:37 AM
I hear that they taste just like chicken, if you cook them right!
Posted by: Bill Neubrand | January 26, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Need him here in Afghanistan to interrogate suspects!
Posted by: Bob in Afghanistan | January 26, 2011 at 09:24 AM
I'am with the first comment I want one also.
Posted by: Ron | January 26, 2011 at 11:26 AM
I agree with the first comment I want one also.
Posted by: Ron | January 26, 2011 at 11:28 AM
This reminds me of the Taco Bell commercial when the movie "Godzilla" was released. Look a the Chihuahua in the back ground.
"Here lizard, lizard: Uh Oh, I think I need a bigger box!"
Posted by: IJ | January 26, 2011 at 12:24 PM
This story would have been more journalistically correct with a full picture of the lizard, afterall the story was about the size of the lizard.
Posted by: rd | January 26, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Obviously someones pet. He, or she, has been well cared for, the claws are sharp but short so they are getting trimmed. He is obviously docile, otherwise the person posing him for the camera, who has small hands, would not be able to control him. His hissing or tail whipping is just his way or saying "just leave me alone".
Posted by: TJ | January 26, 2011 at 06:00 PM
I feel bad for the owner of this lizard who got away. I hope they can be reunited. I'd feel terrible if any of my pets escaped and I couldnt find them.
Why on earth would you suggest they just kill it? Thats like saying ...oop someone lost their dog...its loose...KILL IT!
If I ever had the room to foster or adopt a monitor /large lizard from my local shelter, i'd do it in heartbeat.
Posted by: responsible pet owner | January 27, 2011 at 01:14 PM
JOIN THE NRA
Posted by: LISA | January 27, 2011 at 02:03 PM