By: Valerie Ann Dismaya

A video of two monitor lizards seemingly hugging has gone viral on social media, but experts say the act is far from affectionate.

The clip, captured by Charlie Jagonos at the University of the Philippines Visayas, shows two large lizards locked in what appears to be an embrace.

At first glance, it’s easy to mistake the scene for a rare moment of reptilian tenderness.

Lucky them, they have someone to hug. How about you?

But while the moment looks sweet, biologists say it’s actually a form of territorial wrestling, known in the animal world as agonistic behavior.

Rather than a sign of love, the “hug” is a show of dominance.

When two male monitor lizards meet, they often grapple using their strong limbs and claws to determine who owns a specific territory, resource, or even mating rights.

Experts in herpetology—the study of reptiles and amphibians—explain that such behaviors are common in the wild, especially in species known for being territorial like monitor lizards.

These displays often start without violence but can escalate if neither backs down.

These “wrestling hugs” may last several minutes.

During this time, the reptiles assess each other’s strength.

The loser typically retreats, while the winner retains the territory—or gains the attention of a potential mate.

In some rare cases, this physical contest may even be part of a courtship ritual.

But that only applies when one of the lizards is female.

More often, it’s a fight for space or dominance.

Monitor lizards use their bodies not only for defense but also as tools for communication.

Raising their heads, enlarging their stance, or grabbing opponents are all part of their natural “body language.”

So the next time you see lizards locked in what looks like a warm hug, remember: it’s not romance, it’s survival.