Residents alarmed as 5-foot water monitor lizard escapes in Webster

In the United States, specifically in Webster, Massachusetts, a remarkable incident unfolded when a 5-foot-long water monitor lizard escaped from its owner's home. The event occurred on July 21, 2025, as the lizard reportedly leaped from a second-floor window after the homeowner, who had only acquired the reptile about 2-3 weeks earlier, allowed a house sitter to open the window. Local police and animal control officers are now actively searching for the lizard, which is not native to the region and is illegal to keep as a pet in Massachusetts without a permit. The situation has caused alarm among local residents, who are taking precautions and alerting each other about the escaped reptile. Some neighbors have expressed apprehension about the lizard, with Olivia Williams, a local resident, noting that the broken screen in the house suggested a dramatic escape. Giana Holland voiced her concern about the incident, reflecting on how unexpected such an event is. Although animal control has been utilizing a drone to assist the search, they have yet to locate the creature. Authorities have clarified that the water monitor lizard is not typically dangerous to humans or pets, yet it poses concerns due to its size and the potential unforeseen circumstances that could arise if the creature were to approach individuals or pets. The Webster Police Department, which has been involved in the search, shared that in their 29 years of experience, they have not encountered a situation quite like this. Chief Michael Shaw emphasized the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, highlighting the owner’s lack of a necessary permit as a key aspect of this incident. Despite their ongoing search efforts and assistance from the community, the lizard remains at large. Local residents, including Joey Gajewski, have participated in searches around the neighborhood, albeit with limited success. While the lizard's owner is keen on finding the reptile and has requested privacy, the entire neighborhood remains on alert, indicating the significant community involvement in this unusual circumstance. The collaboration between officers, experts, and concerned citizens underlines the shared focus on ensuring both the lizard’s safe return and the safety of the community at large.