Israel's Largest Lizard Rescued From Water Pit to Be Released Back Into Wild

A large gray monitor lizard, the biggest reptile species in Israel, is set to return to its natural habitat near Eshkol in the coming days after a complex rehabilitation process. The lizard was rescued from a deep water pit by reptile expert Aviad Bar and urgently transferred to a wildlife hospital for treatment. Upon arrival, medical staff found the animal severely emaciated with an empty digestive system, indicating it had been trapped without food or aid for an extended period. It also suffered from severe oral wounds and was covered in dirt.

The wildlife hospital warned that such incidents are not isolated, as many ancient water pits and open infrastructure shafts scattered across open areas and near main roads pose deadly traps for wildlife. Reptiles, in particular, cannot escape these pits without human intervention, making falls into them often fatal.

Following dedicated medical care including wound cleaning and controlled feeding, the gray monitor lizard has shown promising signs of recovery. The medical team is preparing to safely release it back into the wild shortly. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant during outdoor activities and to report any open pits or animals in distress to prevent further tragedies.