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Are Baby Lizards Dangerous? (Killers or Teddy Bears?)

If you are researching lizards, or just interested, you may be wondering if their babies are dangerous…

Are baby lizards dangerous?

Some baby lizards, such as a Gila Monster, or the Mexican Beaded Lizard, are venomous and technically dangerous. However, most lizards found in domestic homes are not. They may still bite but unless it is venomous it is not classed as highly dangerous.

So, now you know. But, can a baby lizard kill a human? Do they bite? What about small house lizards? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…

Can a baby lizard kill a human?

The Komodo dragon is classed as deadly and is therefore capable of killing a human. However, there have been no known reports of a baby Komodo Dragon killing a human.

Other venomous lizards, such as the Gila Monster, or the Mexican Beaded lizard are dangerous but I cannot see any reports of a baby causing a human fatality.

Which lizards are venomous?

The Gila Monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard are venomous and are located in North America. These lizards are known to bite only if they are proked. If they do bite their venom is dripped into the open wound.

The known symptoms of these venous bites include excessive bleeding, dizziness, excessive sweating, vomiting, dizziness, etc.

Do baby lizards bite?

Baby lizards do bite and this is one of their natural defenses. Domestic lizards, for example. a house gecko will bite but their bite is not venomous. And, the bite is not expected to be severe.

However, on the other end of the scale, there is the ferocious Komodo dragon that is known to give deadly bites. However, the baby Komodo is significantly smaller. The hatchlings are known to be approx 100 grams. And, at that size, they do not offer much danger.

However, whenever you see a Komodo hatchling, you can be sure to see a mother close by who is very dangerous and defensive to her babies.

3 Ways a baby lizard can harm you:

Earlier I mentioned how some lizards are dangerous or venomous, etc. However, there is more than one way a baby lizard can harm you. Therefore, in this section, I will explain some o the ways it can:

01. Salmonella

Many lizards, and reptiles in general, carry salmonella. This includes lizards that are classed as domesticated and often kept as a pet. This Salmonella can easily be passed on to us humans from contact with their skin. Which is often done when they are handled.

If a human gets salmonella common symptoms can include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or even a fever. So, it is important to reduce your exposure to it to avoid this.

02. Bite

Another, more common attack is a lizard bite. Whether the lizard is a baby or adult it is likely to use this as a method of defense. Most lizards are fearful of us humans and will only bite if they are provoked, picked up, etc.

Not all lizards like to be handled and may feel under attack. if they feel this way they are likely to bite to try and get free. However, many friendly lizards are comfortable with handling like Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos, etc.

03. Venom

As I stated earlier, some lizards will use venom as a way to harm you. Not many lizards are capable of this. So, it’s quite rare for this to be a method used. Especially when you consider lizards that you are likely to come across day-to-day.

What do baby lizards eat?

Baby lizards have a varied diet depending on their species. However, broadly speaking they can be a carnivore (or insectivores) or herbivore. Let me explain the difference:

01. Herbivores

Herbivores are plant-based eaters. And, they typically eat fruits and vegetables. Some examples of lizards that are classed as herbivores are Marine Iguanas or Green Iguanas.

These lizards, in particular the Green Iguana, are considerations for pet owners that are classed as vegan, This is because they do not have to supply live or dead insects to their pets.

02. Carnivores/Insectivores

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Carnivores are meat-eating lizards such as Bearded Dragons, Chinese Water Dragons, and they typically will eat insects such as crickets or mealworms.

In most cases, these lizards will prefer live insects, but some will eat dried insects. Live insects are always preferred. But, for pet owners, the dried version is easier to store and re-stock.

Can you tame a lizard?

A lizard can be tamed. Especially the popular pets like Bearded Dragons, Chameleons, Leopard Geckos, etc. Some of these breeds will be quite tame from the beginning, especially if they are purchased from a reputable dealer or a trusted pet shop.

Even though lizards can be tamed it is still worth giving them some space to get adjusted when you first bring them home. This may seem like common sense to you, but you may be surprised with the owners that expect them to sit in their lap within the first hour of arrival.

Are small house lizards dangerous?

Small house lizards, such as geckos do bite but are not regarded as dangerous. This is because their bite is not very strong. Meaning they will bite, but it’s not very powerful.

However, these lizards still have a trick up their sleeve, known as salmonella, mentioned earlier. This can be passed on from contact with their skin or feces. This can be simply washed off by some people who forget to do this after handling them.

Can you keep a baby lizard as a pet?

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You can keep a baby lizard as a pet. And, this is where most lizard owners start. However, it largely depends on the species of lizard you have in mind. Why? Because some are not allowed and classed as endangered.

For example, if you want a baby Bearded Dragon you should have no problems in most locations. But, if you have your heart set on a Utila spiny-tailed iguana then you will have some problems.

Should you pick up a baby lizard?

It is OK to pick up a baby lizard but it needs to feel comfortable with you first. Instead of trying to pick it up as it runs away you should be patient, offer it food, and let it initiate by coming to you.

This is a slower strategy because it could take days or even weeks. But, it will make you know the lizard is comfortable with being held and less anxious.

Can a Lizard fall from the ceiling?

A lizard can fall from a ceiling if it has a really bumpy surface. But, generally speaking, they have a good grip. This grip is reinforced by the Setae hairs that cover their toes.

If you have a lizard falling on you it could just be an accident based on the texture of your wall. But, some believe this is a sign from the universe, and depending on where it lands, for example, it falls on your head, then it can be good or bad luck.