Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im watching the factor tonight and see an advertizement on one of his upcoming stories for this program. "large lizard in florida bad for the residents" I am about to watch it hope some of you watch the story and see if the spin stops there.

We all know how badly the media in Florida has projected this story to inflict fear.. it makes a better story if you have to watch out for the dangerous lizard

I didn't get a chance to see it. Did anyone else get a chance to watch it and what did you think of it?

I did get a chance to watch the factor last night. He and a person who is for the irradication of the over populated wild Nile Monitor down in a area of Southern Florida. They state the population of the Nile monitor down there has exploded in the past couple years. I love to watch Bill O'reilly but you could tell how uneducated he was on the Nile Monitor by the type of questions he was asking. The guy who he was conversing with was for getting rid of the Nile Lizard down there but he did frequently correct Bill on how the lizards were not as dangerous as The Factor had protrayed them to be. I guess the habitat down there is great for the Nile to have some of the lizards growing to 7-8 ft long. No recorded attacks by the lizard but home owners down there were complaining of the lizards because they would be in their yards and they were worried the lizards would eat there dogs and small children. I have lived in florida most my life and I would think they would be more fearful of the numerous rogue alligators in the area.

Great point--rogue gators. Something that actually COULD eat a kid. Makes me think this hysteria will all pass in a few weeks--once people are tired of hearing about it (which I am).

This is sensationalism at its finest.
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If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at the enemy, throw one of those small pumpkins. Maybe it'll make everyone think how stupid war is, and while they are thinking, you can throw a real grenade at them. -JH

Its news and it is NEW news. Something different than hearing about the tragic hurricane news every night. I was just worried that Bill oreilly was going to portray the Nile as a vicous predator that will carry your helpless children to their death. It did not make it that far but some one with his power could easily have elevated the situation down there.

Just like wild burmese in the everglades are dangerous. Niles are going to start eating everything in sight (alligator/american crocodile eggs). Just like the burmese are doing. I hate stupid irresponsible people that think it is just fine to let their nile or burm go just because it is to large or aggressive. All of us responsible keepers are paying for the neglegence of a few really stupid people. Expect a total outlaw on all large lizards and snakes soon. It is coming, and it's a very sad thing. By the way, personal opinion, it should cost more than 35 dollars to get your hands on such large, unpredictable animals. You should have to meet certain guidlines first, just like owning a gun.