Monitor 
 Lizards 

If you see any species of Monitor Lizard, please keep your distance, do not try to touch it or contain it.

There are more than 25 species of monitor lizards in Australia, some of which are referred to as Goannas, and they do vary in size with the largest being over 2 metres long. All have very sharp teeth and claws, as well as a strong lashing tail that they may use in defence, all of which can cause significant injury.  

Like most native fauna, many are wary of people and will usually flee if given the opportunity. 

Monitor lizards will rear up onto their hind legs when threatened, chased or cornered, and can also emit harsh hissing noises.

GMonitor lizards are protected species throughout Australia.

If you stay well away from monitor lizards, they usually present no immediate danger, however like snakes it is best to keep children and pets well away from them even if they are injured.

If you've found an injured goanna or monitor lizard

Phone WIRES Rescue Line on 1300 094 737 immediately so that we can organise a trained rescuer to attend. Keep an eye on the lizard from a safe distance. Keep all pets and people away until the situation is resolved.

If you have a goanna or monitor lizard in your house

If you find a large lizard like a goanna in your house, please make sure all people, children and pets are moved into other rooms and kept away until the situation is resolved. If you can safely do so, isolate the lizard in the room you found it by closing the doors to the room and putting towels along the bottom of the doors. Call WIRES Rescue Line on 1300 094 737 or fill in the Rescue Form for rescue assistance. Do not approach the lizard or try to contain it yourself.

If you’ve found a monitor lizard or goanna in your yard

Unless there is a food source they are normally only passing through a yard when they are sighted.