A man has come forward claiming to be the owner of the large, 1-meter-long lizard that recently sparked anxiety among residents after appearing in the Gwanggyo New Town area of Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.

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

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

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

A reportedly 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 he went missing."

The appearance of man A also led to the precise species of the lizard being newly identified.

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

Nile monitor lizards are listed as a Class II international endangered species, requiring individuals to report transfer and acquisition to the regional environmental office upon adoption.

Failing 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 monitor lizards grow to lengths of 1.5 to 2 meters, are primarily active during the day, and possess weak venom.

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

Previously on the 7th, a resident shared an 18-second video of the lizard's appearance in a group chat, spreading the rumor and leaving residents who learned of it through media reports on the 11th feeling uneasy.

About 10 personnel from both agencies equipped with capture tools conducted a thorough search but ultimately failed to find the lizard.

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

In addition, the city decided to issue safety notices to apartments, schools, libraries, and athletic facilities.

A city official said, "It has not yet been finally confirmed whether Mr. A is actually the owner of the lizard appearing in Gwanggyo, and whether the species is a Nile monitor," adding, "Detailed information will be revealed following the capture of the lizard and the investigation into the owner."