Public warned not to make friends with giant escaped lizard

Residents of Teller County, Colo., are being urged by authorities to keep away from a pet that ran away from home on Monday afternoon. This is a fair request, and one likely to be obeyed, given that the pet in question is a six-foot long Nile monitor lizard weighing 25 pounds and owning a disease-infested mouth attached to a jaw capable of chewing through its leash — or somebody’s leg. To add petrifying fear to possible debilitating injury, officials have warned the monster may become “aggressive.” Apparently the lizards have a nasty temper, a mean bite and a strong, lashing tail. However, its owner has assured residents that his pet is gentle and has pleaded for the public to not hurt the creature if they do encounter it. [Source]