Giant 1-meter lizard spotted at apartment complex, joining string of exotic animal sightings

A large lizard has been spotted inside an apartment complex, the latest in a series of exotic animal sightings in urban areas that have included crocodiles and turtles.

Multiple residents reported seeing a lizard estimated to be about 1 meter long on a walking path at an apartment complex in Uiui-dong, Suwon, in the Gwangyo new town area earlier this month, according to Yonhap.

Photos and video of the animal suggest it may be a water monitor lizard, a species listed as a Class 2 internationally endangered species. Footage shows the lizard flicking its tongue and looking around before disappearing into the bushes.

Video of the lizard circulated among nearby residents. The sighting occurred near a public library frequented by residents and an elementary school.

Safety concerns have been raised in local online community forums. However, neither police nor the fire department had received any reports of the lizard.

Meanwhile, a Siamese crocodile — a Class 1 internationally endangered species — was found along the Soyang Stream in Yeoju on July 18. On Sunday, a turtle about 30 centimeters long, believed to be an invasive species, was discovered in a drainage channel at a resort in Gijang-gun, Busan.