Residents Rattled by 18-Second Video as Man Claims Ownership of 1-Meter Lizard

A man has come forward claiming to be the owner of the large, 1-meter-long lizard that recently appeared around the Gwanggyo New Town area in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, causing alarm among local residents.

The man stated that the animal is a "Nile monitor" that he lost a month ago, prompting search authorities to verify the facts based on his statement.

According to Suwon City on August 11, the city and fire authorities conducted a joint search operation lasting about three hours starting at 10:30 AM that day around the apartment complex in the Wellbeing Town area of Gwanggyo New Town to capture the lizard.

While the search was underway, a man identified only by his surname A, who claimed to be the owner of the lizard, voluntarily approached city officials at the scene.

A is reported to have told city officials, "That lizard is my pet that I lost about a month ago, and I have been searching the neighborhood for it ever since."

Notably, the appearance of A has also helped authorities newly identify the exact species of the lizard.

Initially, the lizard was presumed to be an Asian water monitor based on its appearance in a video filmed by a resident. However, with A identifying it as a "Nile monitor," search authorities have pinpointed the species as a Nile monitor and are preparing follow-up measures.

The Nile monitor is listed as a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II species, requiring owners to report transfer and acquisition to the regional environmental office upon adoption.

Failure to complete the relevant reporting procedures can result in a fine of up to 1 million won.

However, there are no regulations regarding breeding facilities, making them popular as pets.

Adult Nile monitors grow to 1.5 to 2 meters in length, are primarily active during the day, and possess mild venom.

They prefer shaded areas or cool forest edges and feed on small animals such as fish, frogs, and mice.

Previously, rumors spread after a resident shared an 18-second video of the lizard's appearance in a group chat on August 7, leaving residents who learned about it through media reports feeling anxious.

About 10 personnel from both agencies equipped with capture tools thoroughly searched the area but ultimately failed to find the lizard.

The city plans to continue its joint search with related agencies while transferring the matter to the Han River Basin Environmental Office, which manages international endangered species.

Additionally, the city decided to issue safety notices to apartments, schools, libraries, and sports facilities.

A city official said, "It has not yet been definitively confirmed whether A is actually the owner of the lizard appearing in Gwanggyo, nor whether the species is a Nile monitor," adding, "Further details will be revealed following the capture of the lizard and the investigation into the owner."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.