Florida’s Dragon Problem

The Atlantic ^ | 20 Apr, 2016 | ED YONG

[MtnClimber]

The speckled body of the Nile monitor lizard can reach up to 2 meters in length. At one end is a powerful tail that propels the animal through water and whips attackers with surprising force. At the other is a sinuous head that will devour rodents, birds, fish, crocodile eggs, and pretty much anything else within range of its fearsome, recurved teeth. The monitor isn’t fussy. It’s a formidable animal, and the largest lizard in Africa. It’s also the largest lizard in Florida. No one knows exactly when the monitor arrived in Florida, but it was first spotted in 1990. It was probably introduced as part of the pet trade. It then either escaped or was released by people who realized much too late that maybe a huge, intelligent, active, predatory lizard doesn’t make a great pet. Once the monitors were free, events unfolded predictably. These lizards wander over large areas, grow quickly, breed at an early age, and lay up to 60 eggs in a single clutch—so their numbers quickly grew. They love water, and were drawn to the same waterfront properties that attract Florida home-owners. There are now three permanent breeding populations in the state, the largest of which includes more than 1,000 individuals.

[MtnClimber]

I wonder if the alligators prey on them?

[Pontiac]

I wonder if their skin make good boot leather.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Do they taste like chicken?

[Pontiac]

As an invasive species it should be completely legal to hunt or trap them.

Putting a bounty on their heads is a good option.

[Pontiac]

Let’s find out ;)

[redangus]

I wonder do they taste like chicken?

[shibumi]

"I will take him home
and I will hug him
and squeeze him
and I will call him George!"

[OldArmy52]

Should help with the stray cats problem.

[OldArmy52]

good thing they don’t grow to 20 feet long....soon no anti-gun neighbors.

[P.O.E.]

The Monitors

Off-beat grade C 60's movie with Larry Storch, Avery Schrieber, Dean Stockwell, Jackie Vernon, Alan Arkin, etc.

Interesting premise, starts off well, then, well....

[fision]

I wonder if they prey on aligators!

[Pontiac]

Let’s find out ;)

[KarlInOhio]

The speckled body of the Nile monitor lizard

My Congo Merrimack lizard will fight it.

[MtnClimber]

Florida also has problems with feral hogs, constrictor snakes like pythons and boa constrictors, and iguanas.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[time4good]

Lol. I had to think for a moment - where do I know that quote from? Was it the Monster in Bugs Bunny? Or another goofball Bugs character?

[GingisK]

...My Congo Merrimack lizard will fight it...

It took a few seconds, but it was worth it. ;-D

[shibumi]

[Pelham]

lizard ping!