Originally Posted by Happy_Camper

Why would I make something like that up?
Those things have claws like curved large raptor talons.
When you pick one up and restrain the head/ neck, they will thrash unless they're body weight is supported. Problem is that if they are further alarmed or defensive, they will hug your arm, insert those long claws, then pull back.

If I would've dropped him, he and I would've ended up on the news like the one in the video.

I had one as a pet many years ago. Not that particular species, but a Savannah Monitor, which, when adult, is near the same size. He eventually outgrew my capacity to maintain a proper living space for him, and I gave him to a much more serious herpetology hobbyist, who already had transformed his property for the purpose of housing these things.

Here's a shot of one from Google Images. Mine was nearly this size when I gave him away.

[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]