Aggressive Nile Monitors Breeding in Florida Counties

South Florida is now contending with a new invasive species: the Nile monitor, a large and aggressive reptile. These creatures, which eat young crocodiles, climb trees, and swim in saltwater, have been breeding in the wild across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Lee counties for an estimated 40 years. Though introduced decades ago, they were only added to Florida's prohibited species list in 2021.

Wildlife officials are concerned as Nile monitors are formidable predators that feed on a diverse range of native wildlife, including other reptiles, birds, and mammals. Their adaptability to humid environments, ability to travel across land and through water, and rapid reproduction rate pose a significant threat to local ecosystems. Capturing these lizards is exceptionally challenging due to their speed, climbing skills, and burrowing habits, leading some to compare them to velociraptors.

Nile monitors, which can reach up to 7 feet in length and possess sharp claws, are not native to Florida and are not protected by wildlife regulations beyond anti-cruelty laws. The exotic pet trade is believed to be the source of their introduction. Florida law permits anyone to capture and humanely kill these lizards year-round without a permit. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to aid removal efforts and track the species' spread.