The Tale of Archie: The Adventure of the Exotic Lizard on Loop 101
Imagine driving down Loop 101 in north Phoenix and suddenly spotting a large exotic lizard on the side of the road. That’s exactly what happened when Archie, a Nile monitor lizard, decided to go on a little walkabout that lasted two weeks.
Archie’s escapade came to an end when he was sighted on the shoulder of the freeway near 7th Street, prompting a response from Department of Public Safety troopers and Phoenix Herpetological Society reptile wranglers. The 4-foot-long lizard was eventually found in a storm drain and safely secured by the state police.
Archie was reunited with his owner, Seth Vancura, who shared how the adventurous lizard had escaped during a storm. Despite being missing for a while, Archie kept popping up in sightings, making it challenging for Vancura to locate him.
Vancura expressed his gratitude to the team that retrieved Archie safely, acknowledging the risks involved in handling such a large and intimidating lizard. Monitor lizards like Archie are not native to Arizona and are often brought in as exotic pets, growing to an average length of around 3.5 feet.
Archie’s journey on Loop 101 captured the attention of many, even prompting a tweet from the Department of Public Safety. The story of the monitor lizard walking along the freeway became a spectacle, showcasing the unique encounters that can happen in Arizona.
If you’re intrigued by more Arizona tales like Archie’s adventure, you can explore amazing people, places, and things across the state on our 12News YouTube playlist. Arizona never fails to surprise with its diverse and fascinating wildlife.
And if you want to stay updated on the latest local news and events, don’t forget to download the 12News app. With the 12News+ app, you can stream live events and on-demand videos, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action in Arizona.
So, keep an eye out for unexpected encounters like Archie’s stroll on Loop 101, and enjoy everything that makes Arizona a truly unique and exciting place to explore!
