This invasive lizard in Florida is raising concerns. Here's why.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife is asking people to report sightings, but to stay away to avoid any attacks or incidents involving the animal.

Invasive species, like the Burmese pythons and green iguanas, wreak havoc on Florida's ecosystems. But an invasive lizard is garnering extra attention and giving Floridians and their pets more to worry about than frozen iguanas falling from trees.

The Nile monitor, a lizard added to Florida's Prohibited species list in 2021, making it illegal to sell or acquire as a pet, is another invasive species negatively impacting Florida's unique ecosystem, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation told USA TODAY in an email.

The lizards have spread rapidly across Florida's waterways and canals. Female lizards can lay over a dozen eggs, and a large female can lay as many as 60 eggs, contributing to the spread, according to the FWC.

Minimizing the invasive lizard's impact on Florida's ecosystem is a high priority, according to the FWC. The agency is working to contain established populations and prevent the creation of new ones.

Here's what to know about the invasive species and its impact on Florida.