Owner of missing 6 ft. lizard says his pet is gentle

The owner of an escaped African lizard said that his pet is gentle and he hopes no one will hurt it.

On Monday, a 6 foot long, 25 pound Nile monitor lizard went missing in a Teller County neighborhood between Divide and Woodland Park.

Emergency notification calls went out to residents in the Woodland West, Westwood Lakes and Rosewood Hills subdivisions.

The owner of the lizard, who declined to give his name, is hoping no one harms his 6-year-old pet, Dino.

“I know he looks dangerous, but he’s a very gentle lizard,” said the owner. “He’s not a threat to anybody.”

The owner, who lives in Woodland West, said the lizard is very strong and broke through his mesh leash. He said he doesn’t think Dino would eat any animal bigger than a prairie dog.

Still, Teller County Sheriff Mike Ensinger said residents in surrounding neighborhoods need to be careful.

“It’s a large reptile, at least 25 pounds and it can be aggressive,” said Ensminger. “We wanted the people in those areas to know so they could keep an eye on their pets and small children.”

Some neighbors we spoke with were concerned about the roaming reptile, but others were sympathetic to the lost pet.

“I feel bad for the owners because I know they’re upset,” said Barbara Ryan. “They’re worried about it, especially if it gets dark and they can’t find it. Just say a little prayer.”

Sheriff Ensminger said Nile monitor lizards are not illegal pets in Teller County. The owner could face charges, however, if the lizard hurts a person or pet.

If you see the lizard, call the Teller County Sheriff’s Office at 719-687-9652.