Over-Sized Five Foot Monitor Lizard Roams California Condo Complex

This image provided by Riverside County Animal Services shows Animal Services officer, Kim McWhorter, holding a 5-foot long Monitor lizard that animal control officers found wandering around a condo complex in the city of Riverside, Calif., Tuesday Jan. 25, 2011. Black-throated Monitor lizards are carnivorous and native to the grasslands of Africa. (AP Photo/ Riverside County Animal Services)

A five- foot monster- like lizard was caught lingering in a condo complex in Riverside, Calif. on Tuesday.

The reptile was captured by a brave animal control officer and assistance from the police, the Press-Enterprise news outlet reported.

The officer Jenny Selter, who works at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, used a noose placed on a catch pole to capture the 45 pound beast, which brawled and swung its enormous tail side to side. Once finally in the truck, it was placed in a slot usually reserved for large dogs.

The lizard is assumed to be a pet that probably escaped from the owner’s residence, John Welsh told the Press-Enterprise.
These animals are traced back to Africa and are legal possessions in the state of Calif., said Welsh.

The animal, known as the Black throated, are carnivorous and are sold in stores for about $100. Welsh mentioned how this particular lizard was extremely well behaved, compared to others that they have had.

He hopes the owner comes soon to pick up his cold blooded pet.

You can reach Alexandra Gratereaux at: Alexandra.Gratereaux@foxnewslatino.com