My sister just sent me these pictures that she took the other day. I’m originally from the island of Guam; I don’t live there anymore but my family is still there. My Pop has some beach-front property and there are two monitors that have been hanging around his place. I don't know too much about monitors as I'm more of a snake person myself. I believe this is Varanus indicus but I do know that "Hilitai" is the name that the locals in Guam have for these monitors.



Every time I’ve encountered a monitor in Guam they’ve always been quick to scamper off. Ironically, the two at my parents’ beach have become so accustomed to my family that they don’t run away out of fear anymore. In fact, my sister says she’s been able to get closer and closer to them each time she goes down there. I think it’s because my Pop might be throwing them scraps off the grill and they’re opportunistic predators/scavengers. As a kid I always wanted to catch one but they’re seen so rarely… and when you do see one… well, they’re pretty darn quick.













Dominic

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