Wildlife SOS said the reptile likely entered the home in Agra simply to escape the heavy seasonal rains
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Credit: getty
NEED TO KNOW
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A monitor lizard entered a family’s home in Agra, India, seeking shelter during heavy monsoon rains
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Wildlife SOS safely rescued the lizard, gave it a medical exam, and released it back into its natural habitat
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The organization advises contacting trained rescuers if wild animals seek refuge in homes during natural disasters
A monitor lizard that wandered into a family’s home during India’s monsoon season got a safe trip back to the wild after rescuers determined the frightened reptile was looking for shelter from the heavy rains.
According to nonprofit Wildlife SOS, the animal entered a residence in Agra during a recent downpour, prompting the homeowner to contact the conservation organization’s Rapid Response Unit for help.
“When this monitor lizard wandered into a home in Agra, it wasn’t looking for trouble,” Wildlife SOS wrote in a Instagram post shared July 7. “It was likely looking for shelter from the heavy rains.”
Credit: getty
Rescuers safely captured the reptile before giving it a thorough medical examination to ensure it had not been injured during its unexpected visit. Once veterinarians determined the lizard was healthy, the team released it back into what Wildlife SOS said was its natural habitat.
“Here’s hoping this little explorer finds its way back home, back to its family!” the organization wrote.
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Wildlife SOS noted that rescues like this become much more common during the annual monsoon season, when rising floodwaters, saturated ground and heavy rainfall force wild animals to seek refuge in garages, courtyards and homes. Rather than seeking a human-animal encounter, many animals are simply trying to escape dangerous weather conditions.
The organization encouraged anyone who encounters wildlife during a natural disaster to avoid approaching the animal and instead contact trained rescuers.