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In Webster, a 5-foot lizard is on the loose, and is the talk of the town

Escaped Water Monitor Lizard Sparks Search and Safety Concerns in Webster, Massachusetts

WEBSTER, Mass. — In a bizarre turn of events that has captured the attention of residents and animal enthusiasts alike, a large water monitor lizard escaped from its owner's home in Webster, Massachusetts, prompting a widespread search effort by local authorities and wildlife experts. The incident, which unfolded on a quiet Tuesday morning, has raised questions about exotic pet ownership, public safety, and the challenges of handling such formidable reptiles in a suburban setting.

The escape occurred around 8 a.m. on July 22, 2025, when the lizard, a 5-foot-long Asian water monitor named "Spike," managed to slip out of its enclosure in a residential neighborhood on Lake Street. According to initial reports from the Webster Police Department, the owner, 42-year-old local resident Mark Thompson, discovered the escape after noticing the enclosure door ajar. Thompson, an avid reptile collector, had kept Spike as a pet for over three years, having acquired it from a licensed breeder in Florida. "I was devastated when I realized he was gone," Thompson told reporters later that day. "Spike is like family to me, but I know he's not your average pet. I just want him back safe."

Water monitors, scientifically known as Varanus salvator, are among the largest lizard species in the world, native to Southeast Asia. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh over 50 pounds, possessing powerful jaws, sharp claws, and a reputation for being intelligent yet potentially aggressive when threatened. In the wild, they inhabit rivers, swamps, and forests, feeding on a diet of fish, birds, small mammals, and even carrion. As pets, they require specialized care, including large enclosures with water features to mimic their natural habitat, and a diet rich in proteins. However, their size and strength make them unsuitable for most households, and escapes like this one highlight the risks involved.

Local authorities were quick to respond. The Webster Police Department, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Environmental Police and the state's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, launched an immediate search operation. Officers cordoned off a two-mile radius around Thompson's home, warning residents to stay indoors and report any sightings without attempting to approach the animal. "This is not a typical lost dog situation," said Webster Police Chief Laura Simmons during a press briefing. "Water monitors are powerful creatures, and while Spike isn't known to be aggressive toward humans, hunger or stress could change that. We're treating this with the utmost caution to ensure public safety."

The search efforts have been multifaceted. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras have been deployed to scan wooded areas and nearby waterways, including the French River, which runs through Webster and could provide an ideal hiding spot for the semi-aquatic lizard. Traps baited with raw chicken and fish have been set up in strategic locations, and animal control specialists from the nearby Worcester Animal Rescue League have joined the operation, bringing expertise in handling exotic species. By late afternoon, several unconfirmed sightings had been reported: one resident claimed to see a large lizard sunning itself near a backyard pond, while another reported unusual tracks along a hiking trail in Douglas State Forest, which borders Webster.

This isn't the first time an exotic reptile has made headlines in Massachusetts. In 2023, a similar incident occurred in Springfield when a pet boa constrictor escaped and was found coiled around a neighbor's mailbox after three days on the loose. Experts point out that the popularity of exotic pets has surged in recent years, fueled by social media and online marketplaces, but regulations vary by state. In Massachusetts, owning a water monitor requires a permit from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and owners must demonstrate adequate housing and care capabilities. Thompson confirmed he holds the necessary permits, but the escape has prompted calls for stricter oversight. "These animals belong in zoos or sanctuaries, not backyards," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a herpetologist at the New England Aquarium in Boston. "Water monitors are apex predators in their ecosystems, and introducing them to non-native environments can disrupt local wildlife if they establish themselves."

Public reaction in Webster has been a mix of fascination, fear, and humor. Social media platforms buzzed with memes depicting the lizard as a "Webster Godzilla" or joking about it joining the local swim team. However, for families with young children and pets, the concern is real. "I have two dogs and a cat, and I'm keeping them inside until this is resolved," said Sarah Jenkins, a neighbor living just blocks from Thompson's home. "It's exciting in a way, like something out of a movie, but I don't want to encounter it while walking to the store." Local schools, including Webster Middle School, sent out alerts advising parents to supervise children outdoors, and the town's community center hosted an impromptu information session on reptile safety, drawing a crowd of over 50 residents.

As the day progressed, wildlife experts provided more context on the potential dangers and behaviors of escaped water monitors. These lizards are excellent swimmers and climbers, capable of covering significant distances in search of food or water. In urban areas, they might seek out garbage bins, ponds, or even storm drains for shelter. While attacks on humans are rare—most documented cases involve provoked animals— their bites can cause serious infections due to bacteria in their saliva. "If cornered, Spike might lash out with his tail or bite, but he's more likely to flee," explained Vasquez. "The key is to locate him before he gets too far or encounters something that stresses him out."

Thompson, meanwhile, has been cooperating fully with authorities, providing details about Spike's habits and favorite foods to aid in the search. He described the lizard as "gentle" and well-handled, often allowing visitors to interact with him under supervision. "I've invested thousands in his care—UV lights, a custom pond enclosure, veterinary check-ups," Thompson said. "This was a freak accident; the latch on the door must have failed." He expressed remorse for any alarm caused to the community and offered to cover costs related to the search.

By evening, the search had expanded to include volunteers from local animal welfare groups, who combed through parks and abandoned lots with flashlights and night-vision gear. No confirmed capture had been reported as of press time, but officials remained optimistic. "These animals are resilient, but so are we," Chief Simmons stated. "We'll find him and get him back where he belongs."

The incident has broader implications for exotic pet laws in Massachusetts. Animal rights advocates, including representatives from PETA, have seized on the story to push for bans on owning large reptiles as pets. "Escapes like this endanger communities and the animals themselves," said PETA spokesperson Lisa Lange in a statement. "Water monitors suffer in captivity, far from their natural habitats." On the other hand, reptile enthusiasts argue that responsible ownership should be encouraged through education rather than prohibition. The Massachusetts Herpetological Society plans to hold a webinar next week discussing safe practices for keeping monitors and other large lizards.

As Webster awaits resolution, the escaped water monitor serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of blending wild animals with domestic life. Residents are urged to report sightings to the police hotline at 508-943-1212, and authorities emphasize not to approach the lizard. With temperatures expected to drop overnight, experts hope Spike will seek warmth, making him easier to locate. For now, the town holds its breath, hoping for a safe reunion between owner and pet without any further drama.

This event underscores the delicate balance between human curiosity and the responsibilities of pet ownership. In a state known for its strict wildlife regulations, the Webster water monitor escape may prompt legislative reviews, ensuring that such incidents become rarer in the future. As the search continues into the night, one thing is clear: Spike's adventure has turned a sleepy Massachusetts town into the center of an unexpected wildlife saga. (Word count: 1,128)

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