Imagine driving through Florida and spotting a huge creature crossing the road. Naturally, one would assume it's an alligator.
That's precisely the shock Renee Aland and her daughter, Zoey Marzonie, experienced when they spotted the massive reptile.
However, to their surprise, the creature turned out not to be an alligator, as Zoey initially believed.
Zoey Marzonie's encounter with the enormous reptile
During the unexpected encounter, Renee and Zoey spotted a colossal reptile ambling near the roadside.
Believing it to be an alligator, the mother and daughter promptly took some photos and recorded the animal on camera.
In the footage, the enormous reptile appeared similar to an alligator.
According to Renee, the enormous reptile was an alligator."
In the video, Renee said, "He’s huge. He’s just strutting across the road. He’s heading to the other side of the road."
However, the enormous reptile was actually a massive lizard.
Despite her daughter's eagerness to get a closer look, Renee exercised caution, urging Zoey to remain in the safety of the car.
Renee then reported the incident to the Florida Wildlife Commission after spotting the enormous reptile, which turned out to be a lizard.
Upon closer observation, Renee was shocked when the lizard's tongue flickered.
The misconception about the enormous reptile was quickly debunked.
"Oh crap," Renee realized, "that's not a gator."
The enormous reptile was actually a lizard.
She said: "When we got closer, I looked, and I saw his tongue, lizard tongue coming out, and I was like, oh crap, that's not a gator."
After the incident, the Florida Wildlife Commission investigated.
Subsequent investigation by the Florida Wildlife Commission suggested that the creature in question might be an Asian Water Monitor—a species known for its impressive size and non-native status in Florida.
Despite their formidable appearance, Asian water monitors generally avoid human confrontation.
However, cornered or threatened, they won't hesitate to defend themselves. Their bites can cause severe injury, so it's wise to maintain a respectful distance.
Monitor lizards thrive on a diet of fish, frogs, snakes, and rodents.
Their voracious appetites raise concerns about their impact on the local ecosystem. While saltwater crocodiles and humans are their primary predators, these lizards can become a nuisance if left unchecked.
After the incident, she shared her shocking encounter on Facebook, and the post quickly went viral, sparking debate on social media.
The post read. Did a double take today driving down Hillsboro Blvd today…. Called FWC and reported with the location… this Asian Water Moniter was around 5ft long… I had been sitting there waiting to see it again as they wouldn’t even make a report without photographic proof. It was seen coming out of the woods near the canal on Hillsboro Blvd., behind the Kia dealership, and just south of Bamboo rd.
One person said: Is that really a Komodo Dragon? Komodo Dragons are deadly!
A second wrote: Oh that’s not good. Danged snakes invading was bad enough but monitor lizards? There goes what was left of the ecosystem.
While a third commented: Monitor of some kind. My husband had a Nile Monitor a long time ago. It was kinda mean too. Lol
Another added: Is it safe to assume that was probably someones pet at some time? Those are not normally found in Florida to my knowledge.
