Giant lizard on the loose in Webster, animal control says

WEBSTER, Mass. — The whole town of Webster is on the hunt after a giant pet lizard ran loose from its home.

Meet Goose: A five-foot-long water monitor who is on the loose in his Webster Neighborhood.

Oliva Williams, a neighbor of the owners of Goose, says she saw the lizard bust through a second-floor window, made its way onto the roof, and jump towards the ground to make a break for it.

"It’s crazy like I can’t even put my head to it, scary," Olivia said. “I’ve seen some people saying they’re just going to stay inside, some people are saying they’re going to get their dogs to get him, it’s kind of funny.” 

Earlier on Friday, the Webster Animal Control office advised people to be on the lookout for a giant lizard on the loose, which was last seen in the vicinity of Blueberry Lane off Upper Gore.

Joey Holland, another nearby resident, has been scootering up and down the block, “hoping to see some action.”

“I didn’t even know what a water monitor was until today.”

Webster Police Chief Michael Shaw said its been an eventful day, when he got a call about the missing lizard at 3 p.m., sparking a search with officers, State Environmental Police, and drones.

“It’s not believed to be a danger to people, it’s not going to attack,” Shaw said, “however, like any other animal, if they do come across it and corner it, it could become defensive.”

Water monitors can grow up to 7 feet long and are venomous, but not lethal.

“They can travel quite a bit, and they like to go towards water,” Shaw said, “they also like to climb trees, apparently, so don’t forget to look up.”

Other neighbors say that a similar incident occurred last year, when a different lizard escaped from the same home. Residents say it’s deja vu.

Police say that the animal is illegal to own in Massachusetts, and if found will be rehomed to a better location.

Animal Control is also asking the public to immediately contact their officer or the police if the water monitor is spotted.

“Please DO NOT approach and let the professionals handle the animal.” Webster Animal Control wrote on their Facebook.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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