SOMETHING SINISTER

In the middle of creating a painting of a water monitor (a large South East Asian lizard), my apartment mate hollered joyously "I ain't evah gonna stop shooting gators!" It turns out she was watching "The Alligator People". A movie made in 1959, and a monument of its genre. Sort of Gothic Southern Mutant Horror. Mixed with classic drive-in theatre stinkeroo.
About a serum that regenerates limbs but turns the patient reptilian.

Some movies have classic lines. Hump, what hump? I don't know nuttin' about birthin' no babies! To reach her arms I would sell my people into Mongol bondage! It's alive, alive!
Do you know what happens to a toad when it's struck by lightning?
And what the hell is that smell?
Another shrubbery!


The water monitor is all over the place in the zone where it is native. Including urban parks and nullahs. It is invasive in the Deep South. They are carnivorous and will also eat carrion, competing with some humans for roadkill. There are venom glands in the mouth of the beast, but these are not particularly significant. Their bites are not fatal, unless you're a frog or small animal, and they can be domesticated. They do not fear humans, nor are they a threat. They can be surprisingly affectionate, but it is wise to wear thick protective gloves and long pants at the least, because playful bites may require lots of stiches.

They like water. So close the bathroom door when you're showering or soaking. Unless you like visitors. If your kamar mandi houses frogs (sejenis kodok, katak), you must know that these are tasty snacks.

Like all reptiles, they can be stubborn.
Drop that chihuahua right now!
Doesn't listen.



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