While on a beach-hunting road trip in the Vero Beach area I spotted this large and unusual lizard at a beach access. I had never see one of these before. It was fairly cautious and kept its distance from me. Ultimately, when I got too close it raised up off the ground and started running on its back legs!
I’ve since discovered that this is a Brown Basilisk, and is not native to Florida. They were first observed in southeast Florida in 1976, according to the FloridaConservation.org website.
Now, it seems they have taken up residence in the Naples area as well. No doubt the were brought over by someone who thought they were cool.
Not cool.
Lizards like these help destroy local bird populations by feeding on eggs and young nestlings.
