Alameda Police Called To Capture 'Dragon.' What They Found Was Just As Scary

ALAMEDA, CA — Police in Alameda were recently met by a large hissing surprise while responding to a call at a home in the island city.

It's unclear when exactly the incident took place. Police say officers were called to the home after someone reported a "Komodo dragon" had been left behind by its owners, who had moved out.

"T-HISSSS Is Something You Don’t See Every Day," the Alameda Police Department said in a statement on social media. "Not knowing exactly what was instore (sic), officers and animal control were dispatched to investigate."

Due to the reptile's size and aggression, the responding team devised a plan to remove it from the home, police said. They were able to safely remove it and place it in the care of East Bay Vivarium, police said.

Officers later learned that what they thought was a Komodo dragon was actually a young Ornate Nile Monitor, a reptile that can grow up to seven feet in length, police said.

"They have powerful bites, strong claws, and forceful tails that can cause injuries," police said. "For these reasons, Ornate Nile Monitors are not suitable for beginner reptile keepers and are never appropriate pets for children."

Monitor lizards and Komodo dragons, although both large reptiles, have distinct characteristics. Komodo dragons are larger than monitors and live much longer. Komodo dragons also have a venomous bite that can prove fatal to humans.

Monitor lizards, like Komodo dragons, have sharp teeth and claws, and will defend themselves if they feel threatened.