Monitor Lizards

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

There are more than 25 species of monitor lizard in Australia and they do vary in size with the largest being over 2 metres long. All have very sharp teeth and claws that can cause significant injury. 

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

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

Goannas 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 on1300 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. Following all the steps above you can monitor the lizard from a safe distance and they will usually move on within a few hours.

Report a Rescue

Fill in the rescue form for help with sick, injured or ophaned native animals

To access 24/7 rescue advice and assistance for sick, injured and orphaned native animals call 1300 094 737, or fill in the online rescue form.