There is a canal behind my house that is about 50-70 feet wide. I can clearly see the houses on the other side. The canal bank is reasonably steep, and the water quickly deepens. After a hurricane a few years ago, the guy right across from me had a huge chunk of land partially collapse into the canal. This created a deep fissure in the canal bank. Recently, it has become almost like a cave, with plants covering up everything but a small entrance into the fissure. A week or so ago, I heard my mother screaming for me, saying that there was an alligator on the canal bank. I ran to see, and a huge lizard was crawling out of said fissure. I immediately recognized it as a species of monitor, because of the distinct head shape, size, and body morphology. The thing is, I don't know which one. I haven't been able to take pictures, and from that distance it is hard to discern any real details. However, it seems to be at least 6, maybe 7 or more feet long with the tail, and seems to be entirely dark gray in color. Which species is it most likely, and will it eat my aunt's bichon frise (10lb dog)? I have seen it 4 times since, normally basking a few minutes and then returning to the water (or immediately to the water if it sees a person nearby), and will try to get pictures. Thanks
yo varanio and other monitor experts
- Thread starter Onion01
- Start date
Wow, that is really cool, I would love to see that, we were talking on another thread about there being some nile monitors around there, but the coloration is throwing me off a little. Pics would be awesome, preferably close-ups (meaning go catch it!) 
Its probably a water monitor if its more grayish in color, Niles are more yellow..... it could also be a caiman and or alligator. If you could get some pics even just from far away Id be able to tell.
coura;1732967; said:Oh man I really need to leave on vacation to Florida. A possible feral water monitor near your houseway cool
i have 2 small dogs, it's not that cool LOL. BTW, it's definitely not an alligator or caiman. I am no monitor expert, but I can tell a monitor when i see one. Especially with the distince neck and head