Iguana Bites to People (GRAPHIC)

[emari]

I think I'd rather have her being clingy than aggressive and moody.

[dracus]

I imagin an iguana bite would suck... lol. I've only been bitten by a curly tail lizard and... well i dont think he has teeth. But they bite down hard though.

[prism_wolf]

Curly-tails have teeth... . And they're cute too... ;D

[reesee5050]

A few months ago you all helped me get my iguana back to eating. He's much healthier now. But, now all he wants to do is attack me. I had been taking him out of his cage on a regular basis to let him roam. And one day he leaped at me and tried to bite me. Every once in a while he would act like he was going to bite but never did. This time he was going for it! And its just gotten worse since. I reached in to give him food today and he ripped my glove off and started attacking it. I don't know what to do. I can't even hold him or let him out. He's 18 now. He's never acted this way so badly before. Any suggestions?

[Merlin]

Hmmmm has his coloration developed a bit of an orange color to it?
Sounds like breeding season behavior.

[reesee5050]

No he hasn't had any changes to his color. I know they act a little aggresive when its breeding season but, like I said he's never attacked in such an agressive way.
Before when he would try to bite I would just rub his head and he would calm down. Now I'm too chicken to pick him up. I tried a couple times but, he scared the crap out of me.

[Merlin]

If you are concerned, get a pair of heavy leather gloves. Do not let the iguana intimidate you or the behavior will escalate.

[Merlin]

Thanks for the advice. Looks like your the only one who has any. I appreciate it.

Actually its not that. This is a very friendly board (or I wouldn't be here!).
You are posting on what is essentially an old posting that we refer people to in order to show just how serious a bite from these animals can be. Most people don't look in this unless sent to it.
If you start a new thread in a regular section of the forum it will get more response.

[Jen]

There are many possibilities as to why your Ig has become aggressive. Maybe he isnt feeling well, I mean he is quite old. Or maybe a new scent youre wearing. Someone new in the home, a new animal. Have there been any major changes in your home recently? Or even small changes? Along with using gloves keep a towel close by so if he goes into attack mode you can toss it over his head and distract him.

[reesee5050]

Oh sorry if that sounded bad. I wasn't sure how to post a new message. Now that you said new thread, I guess thats how. So, I posted a new message. Thanks

[reesee5050]

Im scared of him

[reesee5050]

There are no changes I can think of. He doens't look like he feels sick. His color is good and he's eating well.
Thanks for the towel advice. I was wondering what I should use if he started comin at me.

[Jen]

Iguanas can and most will mask illness. Out in the wild they are easy prey when they are ill and weak, therefore they will hide their illnesses. Maybe he is not sick, but it is something to consider since he is so out of character right now. All you can do is be very carefull when handling, keep your regular routine, and watch for symptoms of illness just in case. Is their anyone that could possibly be tormenting him when your not present? Yes towels are an excellnt distraction, Ive used it on my igs a few times, while breaking up fights between my 2 young igs.

[emilyclare]

Hey, I'm new here and do not yet own an iguana but am seriously considering doing so but after I read this article im a bit worried about the agression and behaviour of iguanas. Can anyone shed some light here? I own two beardies and never once had a problem with them but im nervous about owning an iguana.

[hurricanekatt]

This thread linked below is a GREAT warning that even an iguana who seems well socialized can turn dangerous at a moment's notice...

www.herpcenter.com/green-iguanas/29436-iguana-bite-wounds-graphic.html