A carnivorous lizard has managed to evade authorities in Massachusetts for weeks as they urge people to stay away if they spot it.
Webster Animal Control first revealed the unusual escapee on social media on July 18. A news release explains that a water monitor is loose in the area of “Blueberry Lane off from Upper Gore.” Authorities stressed that people should not approach the animal and should contact animal control or the police instead.
The department reveals that the animal is owned illegally, and they have a reptile specialist. However, they admit in an update that they called the search off during the evening owing to the amount of time the reptile had been free. “These types of lizards are known to travel, climb trees, and seek out water,” the release reads. “They are not known to attack humans or dogs/cats.”
A report by Boston 25 explains the lizard is 5 feet long and is called Goose. He escaped from his home in Webster.
The trail went quiet in the following days, and the Massachusetts Environmental Police warned residents to remain vigilant on July 21. They explained that the animal was “lying low” since its sighting on the 18th. The news release also shares some information about the creature. “Feasts on dead rodents, not your landscaping,” the statement reads. They also stress that residents should keep their distance. “Not aggressive but best admired from a safe distance. Those teeth mean business.”
Authorities Finally Spotted The Lizard Again At The End Of The Month
On July 22, Webster Animal Control posted another update, conceding they still didn’t have a lead on Goose. They also noted, “As nights get colder, he has less of a chance of survival.”
They posted again yesterday with some good news, confirming someone spotted Goose in Douglas on July 30. “Officers responded to the area immediately, but unfortunately, the reptile was not located,” the post reads. “We are working closely with reptile experts, Rain Forest Reptiles, to help us locate and capture the animal.
The hunt continues, and Webster Animal Control reminded people to stay away. “Please please please do not go out looking for him on your own,” their most recent post reads. “If seen, report immediately so we can get there as fast as we can.