Exotic, cat-eating Nile monitor lizards are invading Palm Beach County, Florida to create breeding grounds. As a result, shotgun-carrying wildlife officials are increasing their patrols.
The huge Nile monitor lizards, which can reach over 5 feet long (152 cm) and 15 pounds (6.8 kg). In past years they have been spotted from time to time along canal banks in Palm Springs.
The monitor lizards first lived in South Florida as pets. However, several of them have escaped captivity or have been released into the wilderness, becoming a bother to humans.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife (FFW) Conservation Commission is upping its patrols throughout Palm Beach County. Due to the upcoming breeding season, the monitor lizards will become more visible.
The FFW is requesting the South Florida public to photograph the huge lizards and also report any sightings. The lizards' skin color ranges from light yellow to dark brown, and they feature yellow markings on their backs.
Jenny Eckles works as an FFW biologist. She says that due to the lizard population's small expansion it is possible to "eradicate" them, according to Palm Beach Post.
State wildlife officials throughout the region have been seen carrying shotguns, according to Sun Sentinel. Their goal is to kill as many of the monitors as possible before the start of the breeding season.
In Africa, the creatures' natural habitat, the huge lizards have a history of eating housecats. There have been similar unconfirmed reports in Cape Coral, which have involved disappearing puppies and feral cats.
Various other items are included on the Nile monitor lizard's daily menu. They include fish, reptiles, owls, and other small mammals.
The good news is that the Nile monitor lizards usually do not show aggression towards humans. However, the FFW has warned that the reptiles have sharp claws and will defend themselves if they feel threatened.