# Escaped Monitor Lizard “Goose” Captured After Two-Week Search Across State Lines
A dramatic two-week search for an illegally owned water monitor lizard named Goose has finally ended. Relief swept through communities in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.
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The exotic reptile escaped from its Webster, Massachusetts home on July 18. The incident sparked a multi-agency search that crossed state lines before officials captured the animal on Saturday.
This unusual case really shines a light on how tricky—and sometimes risky—exotic pet ownership can get in New England.
The Search for an Unusual Fugitive
When Goose vanished from his Webster home, local animal control jumped into action. They tried drone sweeps and checked swimming pools around the area.
But the search got off to a slow start because the lizard’s escape wasn’t reported right away. That delay didn’t help anyone’s nerves.
Cross-Border Sightings Spark Community Concern
The situation ramped up when someone spotted Goose crossing into Thompson, Connecticut. People in the area, not used to seeing giant lizards, grew anxious.
Connecticut wildlife officials joined the hunt, teaming up with their Massachusetts counterparts as more sightings came in. The collaboration felt a little frantic at times.
“We don’t typically see tropical reptiles roaming through Hartford or New Haven counties,” admitted a Connecticut environmental official. “This situation created unique challenges for our team, especially considering the potential risks to the public.”
Dangers of Exotic Pet Ownership
As the search continued, officials warned folks in Danbury, Waterbury, and other border communities to steer clear if they spotted the lizard. Water monitors don’t usually go after people, but if they feel threatened, things can get dicey.
Illegal Possession Raises Serious Concerns
Water monitors come from Southeast Asia and can grow past eight feet long. These are powerful reptiles, not exactly your average pet, and Massachusetts doesn’t allow them without special permits.
“This incident serves as a reminder to residents in Stamford and throughout Connecticut about the risks of exotic pet ownership,” said a wildlife expert from Greenwich. “What might seem like an interesting pet can quickly become a public safety concern if released or escaped.”
A Happy Ending for Goose
After two weeks, the search wrapped up when Goose was finally captured. Rainforest Reptile Shows, a wildlife education group in Massachusetts, said they’d move the monitor lizard to their nonprofit sanctuary in Beverly.
New Home and Ongoing Investigation
At the sanctuary, Goose gets specialized care from trained professionals.
He’ll have a permanent habitat built just for his species.
They’ll make sure he has proper nutrition and regular veterinary attention.
It’s a safe environment, far from public risk—honestly, that’s a relief.
Authorities in both states are digging into how Goose ended up in illegal ownership and how he managed to escape.
Officials from Bridgeport and New London want to use this situation to educate people about exotic animal regulations. It’s not every day you get a case like this, right?
The teamwork between Webster and Douglas police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and sharp-eyed citizens made Goose’s capture possible.
Rainforest Reptile Shows thanked everyone involved for their dedication and effort during the search.
“This case shows why we need solid exotic animal regulations and what can go wrong when they’re ignored,” said a Connecticut wildlife officer from Norwalk.
“Luckily, this one turned out well for the community and for Goose.”
Here is the source article for this story: Cross-border chase ends with escaped illegal lizard in custody, officials say
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