In Woodland Park, a small tourist town perched just northwest of Colorado Springs, a Nile monitor lizard about six feet long has escaped from its home. The 25-pound pet, named Dino, broke away from a mesh leash and disappeared into the rocky foothills that frame the town. Sheriff Ensinger issued a public warning to residents in the Woodland Park area, describing the lizard as strong, muscular, and potentially aggressive. The animal feeds on small animals and has been known to prey on pets in some cases. Although Dino has never bitten a person, law enforcement officials cautioned that hunger or surprise could provoke unpredictable behavior. We have a six-foot reptile out and about, Ensinger stated, underscoring the uncertainty of its movements and the risk it may pose if it encounters people or pets. Local authorities asked residents to keep a safe distance from any large reptile, to bring pets indoors, and to avoid trying to corral or corner the animal. The goal is to minimize risk while animal-control crews canvass the terrain during daylight hours, hoping to locate Dino quickly and return him home without incident. The community has been urged to stay calm, stay vigilant, and remain patient as the search continues across sunlit ledges and rocky outcrops near the foothills.
Nile monitors originate from Africa and are among the larger lizards kept by some collectors and exotic-pet enthusiasts in parts of the United States. They wield sharp claws and strong jaws capable of gripping prey ranging from carrion and fish to birds and small rodents. Their forked tongue helps them sense their surroundings, and their thick tail provides balance and propulsion as they move with surprising speed. Because these reptiles are cold-blooded, they seek the sun to regulate their body temperature, so wildlife and animal-control teams are combing rock outcroppings and sunlit ridges during the day in hopes of spotting Dino before nightfall. Experts warn that these reptiles can be quick and unexpectedly powerful, especially when they feel threatened or cornered. The ongoing daylight search reflects the practical need to adapt to local terrain and weather, with officers focusing on basking spots and sheltered nooks where the lizard might pause. The incident also serves as a reminder to communities across North America, including Colorado and parts of Canada, that exotic pets require secure housing and responsible ownership. Residents nearby have reported curiosity and concern alike, a testament to how even beloved pets can drift into wild spaces when escape occurs. The search underscores the delicate balance between public safety and animal welfare, and it highlights how responders tailor tactics to the landscape, the time of day, and the behavior of the reptile in question.
Authorities emphasize that finding Dino quickly remains a priority for everyone involved, both for public safety and the animal’s welfare. While many people may glimpse the lizard as it moves through the terrain, it is essential to maintain distance and avoid approaching, feeding, or handling it. Anyone who spots the lizard should contact Woodland Park Animal Control or the sheriff’s office, providing a precise location and a description of any observed behavior. Homeowners are urged to secure yards, remove pet food attractants, and keep dogs leashed when near exposed rock faces or brushy patches where basking might occur. The situation also serves as a broader reminder that exotic pets can become escapes in everyday life, highlighting the need for responsible ownership and rapid, calm action when wildlife enters populated spaces. Across North American communities facing similar events, these incidents are treated as high-priority public-safety matters, with the shared goal of a safe, humane resolution that protects both the public’s peace of mind and the lizard’s well-being.