Large monitor lizard found wandering loose in Wisconsin

OSHKOSH, Wis., July 27 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Wisconsin are seeking the owner of an unusual stray pet found wandering the streets -- a 3-foot-long monitor lizard.

The Oshkosh Area Humane Society said the monitor, a species native to Africa, Asia and Australia, was found loose on the north side of Oshkosh.

The lizard, which was transferred to the Fox Valley Humane Association in Appleton, is in good health and is believed to be a pet that escaped or was released.

The Humane Society said the animal was an odd one for the area -- monitors aren't sold at any nearby pet stores and are prohibited within the city of Oshkosh.

Oshkosh was subject to another exotic animal mystery earlier in the summer when the skin of a Burmese python was found in a public park. Authorities said the animal may have been an escaped pet or the skin may have been left in the park as a hoax.