Phoenix, United States - July 10, 2024

On July 10, a routine morning commute turned into an extraordinary wildlife encounter when drivers spotted a 4- to 5-foot monitor lizard running loose on eastbound Loop 101 near 16th Street in Phoenix.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) received multiple calls reporting the unusual sighting shortly after 6:00 a.m., prompting a swift response from troopers and local authorities. Taking to social media, AZDPS humorously remarked, "Not your average commuter," as they mobilized efforts to corral the unexpected reptilian traveler.

Upon confirming the presence of the monitor lizard on the roadway, AZDPS enlisted the expertise of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. Troopers and Arizona Department of Transportation personnel maintained a watchful eye as the lizard darted into a storm drain, awaiting the arrival of reptile specialists.

"Phoenix Herpetological staff arrived promptly, removed the storm grate, and successfully retrieved the monitor lizard," AZDPS confirmed in a subsequent update.

The lizard, later identified as Archie, a Nile monitor belonging to Phoenix resident Seth Vancura, had escaped from his enclosure during a recent storm. Vancura had been diligently tracking sightings of Archie in the area since his escape, but it was the freeway incident that ultimately led to his safe retrieval.

After a brief freeway adventure, Archie was reunited with Vancura and safely returned to his home, marking a quirky yet successful conclusion to an unexpected morning on the Phoenix freeways.