Heart pounding, pulse racing, sweat trickling down your forehead. The effects of fear have set in. The cause: Croaking lizards. These pesky, wall-crawling reptiles have been frightening Jamaicans since as long as anyone can remember. Instead of enjoying the beautiful beaches and green shrubbery, the lizards decide to invade the houses, making obnoxious croaking noises at night. Unfortunately, the croaking noise is their mating call, used to signify breeding and warn Jamaicans they are nearby.

Although the lizards are probably just as scared of humans as they are of them, many Jamaicans will clear rooms if they even hear the words "croaking lizard." Their fear can be compared to Americans' fear of snakes or spiders. But what makes them different from other lizards?

Maybe it is because they are more active at night, hiding in the dark. Or maybe their suction ability is what separates them. Even if you tried to pull one off the wall, they wouldn't budge. They are also very quick, making it impossible to catch them. These factors- their speed and their ability to scale your walls late at night, making nasty croaking noises all the way- combine to make for one scary creature.

Although it was not a croaking lizard, I did have my own scary lizard experience here in Florida when one crawled into my sock drawer. I opened the drawer, innocently looking for a pair of socks, when it scurried out from underneath a pair. I screamed and jumped back. My friend had to take the drawer outside to get rid of the reptile.

Although there is nothing to fear, especially from such a small creature, fear has proven to be uncontrollable. The only way to squash it is to face your fears. Jamaicans and lizards have to learn to share their gorgeous, relaxing island, because there is plenty of room for everyone. Besides, the croaking lizard isn't going anywhere anytime soon.