LEAPING LIZARDS! LARGE REPTILE WANDERS AWAY FROM SPRING VALLEY PET STORE

Update March 11, 2018:  "Bubbles" has been found in a canyon near the pet store from which she escaped.

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2018 (Spring Valley) – “Bubbles,” a 35-pound, 5 and a half feet long black-throated monitor lizard has been missing from Mike’s Pets at 8300 Paradise Valley Road in Spring Valley since Sunday, March 4^th.

According to reports on 10 News and Patch.com, Bubbles was last seen on a security camera strolling from his cage that he had apparently slipped out of through a small opening, toward the back door of the shop.

A full-grown black-throated monitor lizard can weigh up to 50 pounds, consuming rodents and birds in the wild.  These large rodents come from areas with tropical climates.  Since Bubbles was raised in captivity, his owner is worried about how he is faring on the loose.

Animal Control officers have been alerted regarding the missing reptile.

The 6-year-old lizard is tame and was allowed to roam the store with customers present. However, owner Mike Estevez asks that if you see Bubbles, don’t try to pick him up. Instead, call 619-730-3852.