Monitor lizard named Poseidon on the loose in Collier County

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Water monitor lizard named Poseidon

NAPLES, Fla. A six-foot long, 50 pound water monitor lizard named Poseidon is on the loose in Collier County.

Kevin Henning went to check up on Poseidon and realized the lizard had somehow escaped from its cage. The lizard has been missing for a little more than a week.

A few people posted comments on local Facebook groups after spotting Poseidon in the Twin Eagle neighborhood off Immokalee Road.

Hennings claims Poseidon is tame, but advises people not to approach it.

“He is not dangerous, but he can be dangerous. Anything with a mouth can bite and like alligators he can tail whip people,” Hennings said.

Water monitor lizards may feel threatened if a pet tries to approach it, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Water monitor lizards are generalist predators and will feed on invertebrates, small mammals, eggs, fish or birds.

Anyone who sees Poseidon is asked to contact Hennings at 239-300-3566 or the FWC at 888-404-3922.

“He’s a member of the family and I’d like to keep it that way,” Hennings said.

A video of Poseidon was posted on the WINK News Facebook page:

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