Reptiles are some of the world’s most fascinating creatures––which is why many make popular pets. However, they’re not like other animals, such as dogs and cats, that love it when their owners stroke them. Many reptiles including some lizards and snakes detest when people handle them. Geckos, tortoises, and chameleons are also some animals that can become stressed in response to excessive handling.
Let’s look at some reptiles that hate being handled.
1. Green Iguanas
Green iguanas are one of the most controversial reptiles. Some states, including Florida, ban iguana ownership because they are an invasive species. Regardless, iguanas are incredible animals. They can grow up to six feet in length from head to tail. Meanwhile, they have a distinctive appearance with that spiky ridge running down their back. Many large lizards including bearded dragons and water dragons are relatively docile. But iguanas can be very destructive and even aggressive toward people.
They don’t like when humans handle them because they are never fully tame. They have a powerful bite and sharp claws, so even being close to them is risky. Furthermore, that iconic ridge is also very sharp and can pierce human skin. It’s better to observe these lizards from afar because it’s not safe to handle them.
2. Caimans
This may seem obvious, but handling caimans is never a good idea. It’s impossible to tame them, and they are vicious toward people. Only experts can do so after extensive training, and even then, they must wear thick leather gloves. Dwarf caimans are spectacular animals. It’s not legal to buy them everywhere but it’s the closest we can get to owning an alligator or crocodile. In captivity, they have very specific needs, including UVB lighting and humidity gauges.
Black caimans are the largest variety of the species. They have a bite force of 28,000 Newtons or 6,000 pound-force per square inch (PSI). They present a genuine risk to fishermen in South America. Very few people will think that it’s a good idea to handle them. Don’t take the risk because they can cause severe trauma and infections. Some reptiles go limp when humans handle them, but caimans will react furiously.
3. Savannah Monitors
Unlike green iguanas and caimans, here’s a lizard many people can legally own. Savannah monitors are large and stocky with very sharp needle-like teeth. Their bite is also venomous, but it won’t affect humans. Some owners may protest that their monitors like handling. The reality is that it’s possible to teach them to tolerate handling. Not all monitor lizards will allow people to hold them, and it usually takes a long time to condition them. Eventually, they may accept it once they realize their owner isn’t trying to harm them. But they don’t feel affection, and they’ll never truly enjoy it.
It’s better to get a bearded dragon because they typically tolerate handling better. Some may even fall asleep when owners drape them over their shoulders. Savannah monitors rarely feel as comfortable in this situation. This is why they’re better kept as display pieces than interactive pets.
4. Tortoises and Turtles
There are many varieties of tortoises and turtles, so we’re not being very specific here. However, the reality is that none of them enjoy human handling. They will typically withdraw into their shells if a person picks them up. It’s common for these animals to snap at fingers, too. This can be quite risky if it’s a larger species like a Russian tortoise. It’s wiser to observe these animals going about their lives instead of physically engaging with them. Ethical and experienced owners understand that unnecessary handling causes stress.
However, handling may be unavoidable if they contract a skin infection or other condition. A reptile vet may prescribe a lotion or ointment to treat the illness. In these instances, when applying medication, approach these animals slowly and pick them up gently. They may believe that you’re a predator and make it extremely difficult to hold them. Patience is key, and it’s very important to research a reptile’s characteristics before getting a new pet.
5. Veiled Chameleons
Most chameleons kept as pets, particularly veiled chameleons, hate handling. Some may indeed tolerate it if they experience it from a very young age. But typically, they panic or even react aggressively if people try to hold them. The best way to handle a veiled chameleon is to approach them very slowly. Then allow them to rest on a flat palm rather than enclosing them in your hand. However, it’s still better to avoid this if possible because these animals are prone to extreme stress.
Veiled chameleons cut a very distinctive appearance with their bump-like casque on their heads. This allows rainwater to run down into their mouths. Remember, they are an arboreal species and require a tall enclosure with plenty of greenery. Observe them instead of holding them, so that they don’t suffer any negative consequences.
6. Tokay Geckos
Geckos are some of the most popular reptile pets. They’re small, so they require less living space. They also have shorter lifespans than other species, and they don’t eat much. Leopard geckos are one of the best beginner reptiles. But not all these lizards are easy to handle. Tokay geckos will react viciously if their owners don’t train them to tolerate handling. They have a strong bite force and can even draw blood.
Tokay geckos are one of the most territorial small lizards. They’re not a good option for new reptile owners because their behavior is more complex. However, many people find them enthralling because of their beautiful spotted skin colorations. Tokay geckos are also nocturnal animals, so don’t expect much energy from them during the day. Filling their tank with foliage is one way to reduce their aggression levels. But, to avoid painful bites, it’s best to avoid handling them altogether.
