02-08-2025
Where is Goose? 5-foot lizard from Webster still on the lam after sighting in Connecticut
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
A 5-foot long water monitor that escaped from a home in Webster more than a week ago remains on the loose after it was spotted last week in Connecticut.
Water monitors are a type of lizard with sharp teeth and this one named Goose that is black with white scars on its back was last seen around Little Pond in Thompson, Connecticut, according to a Facebook post Friday, July 25 by that town's animal control officer.
More: In Webster, a 5-foot lizard is on the loose and is the talk of the town
Little Pond is several miles southwest of Blueberry Lane in Webster, where the reptile went missing Thursday, July 17.
Thompson animal control hasn't received any calls about sightings since the one around Little Pond, said Amy St. Onge, a member of Thompson's Board of Selectman. 'I really hope we can capture it for its own safety and protection,' she said.
Webster Animal Control officer Desiree Roussin isn't surprised Goose was seen in Connecticut. She believes it crossed Webster Lake and scampered through some woods before reaching Little Pond.
"It definitely could have traveled that far," said Roussin. It's the only reported sighting of Goose since he went missing and when the call came in that Goose had been spotted in Connecticut, Webster police arrived in a half hour, but the reptile was gone. Roussin believes it could be further into Connecticut or possibly back at Webster Lake.
The chances of catching Goose are better, said Roussin, if it's during the day and she's on her work shift.
Ultimately, she said, it's going to be "extremely difficult" to capture the lizard because, in the best case, she needs to be there when it's spotted. Even then, said Roussin, it's not a sure thing because Goose will likely scoot away when anyone approaches and he blends in well with the surroundings. Plus, he's a good traveler.
"I'm hoping he doesn't die out in winter. I'm hoping we can get him, but I think it's going to be difficult," she said.
The reptile's owner didn't have a license for the pet and reports said it slithered out of the owner's second-floor window. Several hours passed before it was reported missing, a lapse that authorities said made finding the reptile more difficult.
Water monitors prefer warm weather and Roussin has said it's important to find Goose before winter because he likely wouldn't survive cold weather.
Authorities stress anyone who sees Goose should call authorities immediately and not try to capture it — leave that task to the experts. Water monitors are generally not a threat to humans and pets, but can lash out if they feel threatened.
Contact Henry Schwan at Follow him on X: @henrytelegram
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Water monitor Goose still missing after escape from Webster, MA
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