When Exotic Pets Turn on Owners

A reptile enthusiast in Florida owned a six-foot-long monitor lizard, proudly posting online about how “chill” and “loyal” it was. But during feeding time, the prehistoric beast lunged and clamped its jaws onto the man’s hand—and wouldn’t let go.

He was hospitalized with nerve and tendon damage. Officials confiscated the lizard after discovering improper permits. The man survived but admitted: “I forgot that a lizard doesn’t love you back.” In other words, even the calmest creatures have instincts you can’t control.