Allsons Wildlife Control

Just when Floridians thought pythons and iguanas were enough, South Florida has a new invasive threat on the move; Nile monitor lizards.

Native to Africa and sometimes described as “mini Komodo dragons,” these powerful reptiles can grow over six feet long, run fast, swim even faster, and eat just about anything in their path.

They’ve been spreading through Florida’s canal systems for years, especially around Cape Coral and parts of South Florida, where wildlife officials say they pose a serious risk to native species like burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. Birds, eggs, fish, frogs, small mammals, even pets and livestock, are all on the menu.

Because of the threat they pose, Nile monitors can now be humanely killed year-round in Florida without a permit or hunting license. Invasive hunters like the “Python Cowboy” are already targeting them as the next major problem species.

This is another reminder of how Florida’s ecosystem keeps changing, and how quickly non-native animals can take hold once they’re released or escape into the wild. If you spot one, wildlife officials want to know.