Lizards are popular reptiles ranging from small-sized species to huge giant-sized creatures. Just as they are different in size, so are their temperament. While some lizards will never react aggressively, some can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.
Are Lizards Dangerous?
Lizards can be dangerous to humans. While small lizards cannot launch a life-threatening attack, they do have diseases that are toxic to our health. These bacteria can be passed through their skin and feces, and touching these areas can pass the disease, especially when you have them as pets.
Iguanas, for example, can pass salmonella to humans, a hazardous disease that can cause severe complications.
Big Lizards pose direct dangers to humans. They can bite, severely injure and kill humans when they are threatened, provoked, or are protecting their territory. Some can sneak up on an unsuspecting person and attack viciously. Komodo dragons can potentially attack humans and even kill them in the process.
In summary, lizards can be dangerous to us. While they will ignore us most of the time, treading into their territory invites trouble.
Are Lizards Aggressive?
Lizards can show aggression towards humans. If they have the easier option of avoiding a confrontation with us, they will opt for it 100% of the time. However, they are likely to show aggression in their territory if threatened or provoked. They can also attack us unprovoked in their territory, but this behavior is uncommon.
Also read: What Do Lizards Eat? Everything You Wanted to Know
Lizards in captivity and the wild can be unpredictable and launch dangerous attacks. They can bite, whip with their tail and use their claws as weapons. If you ever see a wild lizard, whether big or small, as a non-expert, it is best to avoid them.
Finally, do not feed live food to lizards, especially big ones, as it encourages their wild behavior making them more aggressive. They will become more confident about attacking you when they notice you are not looking.
Are Lizards Poisonous to Humans?
Most lizards are not poisonous to humans. When eaten, they will not cause much trouble as long as they are properly cooked. Also, there are not lots of venomous lizards. Of the 6000 types of lizards recognized globally, only a few have enough venom to cause toxic effects in humans.
There are three recognized lizards that can inject toxic venoms into humans; the Komodo dragon, the Gila monster, and the Mexican beaded lizard. Their venom and bacteria possess enough toxicity to kill adult humans.
Also read: What Eats Lizards? Learn All About Lizard Predators
Do Lizards Bite Humans?
Lizards can bite humans. Big lizards like the Gila monster and Komodo dragon can bite and cause significant injuries enough to kill a human. If you ever see a giant lizard, then you must do all you can to back away and leave its eye line and the entire territory for safety.
Are Lizards Venomous?
Most lizards are not venomous. The major population of the few venomous ones do not have well-developed toxins to cause real harm. For example, while iguanas are venomous, they cannot cause any real harm to owners.
Lizards that have developed venoms capable of causing severe effects on humans are Komodo dragons, Gila monsters, and Mexican beaded lizards.
Most Dangerous Lizards Globally
Some of the world’s most dangerous lizards are:
- Komodo Dragon.
- Tree crocodile/Crocodile monitor (Not a crocodile)
- Mexican beaded lizard.
- Gila monster.
- Water monitor lizard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Iguanas Poisonous?
Iguanas are not poisonous if properly cooked before being ingested. They are, however, venomous. However, that is not a cause for worry. Iguanas have harmless atrophied venom glands that cannot produce worrying effects when injected into the skin.
Are Monitor Lizards Dangerous?
Monitor lizards are relatively dangerous because they can bite when threatened. While they have venom, it is not a real threat as they cannot cause any serious side effects.
However, their bite can pass bacteria which may not be fatal but cause symptoms. Their bite is also painful and can cause real injuries that could leave victims struggling to walk, especially the young ones.
Are there Venom Spitting Lizards?
There are no venom-spitting lizards globally. Only three lizards have been confirmed to have deadly venoms; the Komodo dragon, the Gila monster, and the Mexican beaded lizard. All three lizards cannot spit their venoms. They have to bite the prey to pass the venom.
Do Lizards Attack Humans?
Lizards can attack humans when they are threatened or provoked. They try to avoid us as much as possible but will attack if we encroach into their territory or threaten their homes. They may also attack us if they believe we are threats to their eggs or babies.
What is the Biggest Lizard in the World?
The biggest lizard ever documented is the Komodo dragon. The particular specimen had 10.3 feet long and weighed a total of 366 pounds or 166 kilograms. Most Komodo dragons weigh about 154 pounds, but this particular specimen was the first to have crossed 350 pounds.
Can a Komodo Dragon Kill You?
Komodo dragons can kill an adult human with a bite after a few hours. They have deadly venom and extremely fatal bacteria in their mouth that can be passed from a bite. The venom and bacteria will cause severe complications, leading to eventual death within hours.
Are Gila Monsters Bite Fatal?
Gila monster bites are rarely fatal. They will only mostly cause mild to standard effects in adult humans. Kids are more likely to suffer adverse effects from Gila monster bites, with death a possibility if treatments are not quickly administered.
How to Know if a Lizard Is Poisonous?
There are only three venomous lizards globally that can trigger poisonous reactions. They are the Komodo dragon, Mexican beaded lizard, and Gila monster.
