Animal control officials in Burlington are seeking to identify the owner of an exotic lizard found in a local parking lot earlier this week. The reptile, identified as a mangrove monitor—a species native to Australia—is illegal to own as a pet in Massachusetts.

Jamie Jeffrey, Burlington’s animal control officer, responded to a report around 8:30 p.m. Monday of an unusual animal near the intersection of Wheeler Road and Middlesex Turnpike. She discovered the lizard curled up in the wheel well of a parked car. Jeffrey described the capture as challenging, noting the animal exhibited aggressive behavior, including hissing and evasion.

“People who keep reptiles need to be very knowledgeable with this species,” Jeffrey said, emphasizing the mangrove monitor’s reputation as an aggressive lizard. She also called in assistance from Cambridge animal control during the retrieval.

Officials believe the lizard was likely being kept as a pet and escaped from its enclosure. Jeffrey noted that the ownership of exotic reptiles has grown significantly despite strict laws against many species in Massachusetts. Some pet owners purchase reptiles in states with more lenient regulations, only to realize later the challenges of properly caring for these animals.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the state environmental police have been notified. These agencies are responsible for investigating the incident and determining if any citations should be issued against the owner.

State law permits the ownership of only one species within the genus of monitor lizards without a special permit—the small spiny-tailed monitor. The mangrove monitor discovered in Burlington does not fall within this exemption.

The lizard was found with a head wound consistent with escaping from a cage, according to Jeffrey. After its capture, the animal was transported to Rainforest Reptile Shows, an educational program based in Beverly, where it is receiving veterinary care and is reported to be in good health.

Jeffrey expressed hope that the owner will come forward, noting that the animal showed signs of prior care. “This definitely was somebody’s pet that they cared about,” she said.