Missing pet Asian water monitor lizard found dead in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

An Asian water monitor lizard missing in Cape Coral was found dead Tuesday night.

The lizard, named Herbie, was raised and owned by Jessie Sansing.

>>Video above: Archive footage from Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Sansing posted on Facebook, asking for help searching for Herbie after she went missing Sunday night near Northeast 10th Avenue and Pine Island Lane. Sansing said he had a decent-sized cage in his backyard, but it appeared as though the wiring had been cut.

Sansing informed Gulf Coast News that Herbie was found dead by the corner of Hancock Bridge Parkway and 10th Avenue. Sansing said it appeared as though Herbie had been hit by a car.

Sansing was initially worried that the missing lizard would be killed by someone confusing it for an invasive Nile monitor. Nile monitors and Asian water monitors look very similar, but Sansing said Asian water monitors are much tamer.

"They're considered puppy dog-tame when raised from a hatchling," Sansing said.

Sansing said two kids on bikes located Herbie and informed him of her location.

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