Webster water monitor crosses state lines into Conn.

Residents in a Connecticut town are on alert after a pet water monitor that escaped from a Webster home last week was spotted near a local pond.

A search was launched on July 18 after “Goose,” the water monitor, disappeared from his Blueberry Lane home, where he lived as an unpermitted pet.

Investigators called off the search a few days later, saying it was unlikely they’d find the exotic lizard as the species is known to travel quickly. 

However, on Friday, officials in Thompson, Connecticut, announced there had been a sighting of the 5-foot-long lizard. They asked residents to remain vigilant, as water monitors are known to have a dangerous bite. 

“Goose the water monitor has been spotted in Little Pond area on Wilsonville Rd and Thompson Rd area,” Thompson town officials said in a Facebook post Friday. “These types of lizards are known to travel, climb trees, and seek out water. They are not known to attack humans or dogs or cats. This animal is owned illegally, and it is important to call animal control as soon as there is a spotting so we can capture it. We do have a reptile specialist we are working with. If you spot this reptile, please immediately contact animal control or the police department. Please DO NOT approach and let the professionals handle the animal.”

Goose has made headlines across the state since he went missing, prompting memes and jokes from amused residents. 

“Since he crossed state lines it’s now a federal investigation,” quipped one commenter in response to the town’s Facebook post.  

“Godzilla is making his way to us,” said another commenter.

Originally from Southeast Asia, water monitors can grow 6 to 8-feet long and weigh as much as 100 pounds. When they feel threatened, they may act aggressively and can transmit harmful bacteria through their bites. The reptiles can also cause injury with their sharp claws and strong tails.

Although their bites can lead to infections due to bacteria, water monitors are not venomous. Most bites happen when people try to catch or handle them.

As the nights get colder, Goose will likely seek out warmth in sunny areas and warm surfaces such as patios and decks, animal control officials said.

Anyone who spots the water monitor should call Webster Animal Control at 508-943-1212  or Connecticut State Police at 860-779-4900.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.