In Savannah, Georgia, a man stepping into his garage for a quiet morning coffee was stunned to see a giant lizard (over 1.2 meters (4 feet) long) perched on his toolbox and casually flicking its tongue.
He initially mistook it for a weirdly shaped gator or someone’s escaped iguana. But as it moved, slow and heavy, with claws clicking on the concrete, the man realized this was not your average backyard reptile.
Not Native, Definitely Not Welcome
Experts later identified the giant lizard as a savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus), a species native to Africa and often kept as an exotic pet. These lizards don’t naturally live in the U.S., but pet owners sometimes release them, or they escape captivity.
Savannah monitors can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length, are strong diggers, and possess powerful jaws. While not venomous, they can bite hard, and their sharp claws can shred furniture, drywall, or in this case—some unlucky extension cords.
The Capture: Gloves, Broom, and a Bin
The homeowner, wisely, didn’t try to grab the lizard himself. Instead, he called animal control, who arrived with thick gloves, a large bin, and a long-handled broom. After some light chasing and heavy hissing, the lizard was cornered and safely removed.
Officers believe it was likely someone’s pet that either escaped or was dumped. It had no visible injuries and appeared healthy—just very, very grumpy. It’s now being held at a local reptile rescue.
The Risk of Rogue Reptiles
This isn’t the first time exotic animals have popped up in Georgia neighborhoods. Wildlife officials warn that releasing non-native animals is both dangerous and illegal. Species like monitor lizards can:
- Spread disease
- Harm local wildlife
- Scare the life out of unsuspecting homeowners
The garage is back to normal, but the homeowner says he will keep the door shut from now on. “I’ll take raccoons and squirrels any day,” he said. “But a dinosaur in my toolbox? No thanks.”
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