Crocodile Monitor Found In Riverside County Yard

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- A Riverside County resident received a scaly surprise last week.

A four-foot-long, five-pound crocodile monitor lizard was found in the backyard of a Riverside home last Thursday.

Craig Williams, whose dogs alerted him and his wife of the couple, said the lizard was found lounging at his residence, according to Riverside County Animal Services.

The lizard, which was taken to an animal shelter in Jurupa Valley, was reunited with its owner, DeWitt Vercher, on Friday. Vercher identified the lizard as Chopper, named after his love of motorcycles, officials said.

Kim McWhorter, a reptile expert at Riverside County Animal Services, said crocodile monitors are unusual pets and often need special care.

"They need specialized care, mostly due to the large size they can reach. An owner would need a custom-built, room-sized enclosure," McWhorter said.

Officials said Vercher has a nine-foot-wide and eight-foot-high enclosure for Chopper, but he managed to escape. Vercher told officials it wouldn't happen again.

--Photo courtesy of Riverside County Animal Services