Iguanas are large, prehistoric-looking lizards that originate from the jungles of Central and South America. As pets, iguanas shot up in popularity back in the 1990s. However, many owners were unprepared for properly caring for these complex reptiles. This led to a boom in abandoned and feral iguana populations in states like Florida and Hawaii.
Even though iguanas appear slow and harmless, their sharp teeth can inflict serious wounds on humans and pets. While iguana bites are not venomous, they carry risks of infection Learning about the dangers of iguana bites can help you avoid getting bitten and know how to treat a bite wound
Do Pet and Feral Iguanas Bite?
All iguanas have the capacity to bite. Biting is an instinctual defense mechanism when they feel frightened or threatened. However, most pet iguanas will not bite if they are regularly handled and properly socialized. Bites are more likely from untamed iguanas or accidental bites during feeding.
Feral iguanas that have limited human contact are more prone to bite when captured or cornered. These iguanas may exhibit aggressive biting and striking behaviors to defend their territory. Biting is their way of saying “back off and leave me alone.”
Anatomy of an Iguana Bite
Iguanas possess incredibly strong jaws and sharp teeth capable of shredding vegetation. Their teeth resemble serrated leaves with peaks and valleys along the edges.
Despite their herbivorous nature, iguanas generate astoundingly high bite forces for their size. Researchers have recorded bite forces over 30 times greater than other lizards relative to their body sizes.
This concentrated bite force combined with sharp teeth can lead to painful lacerations. Iguanas normally release multiple quick bites rather than a single prolonged one. Each bite may leave behind ragged cuts or puncture wounds on human skin.
Why Do Iguanas Bite?
Iguanas typically bite for the following reasons
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Feeding Accidents Hand feeding iguanas can lead to accidental bites Switching to tongs reduces nipping risk.
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Investigating: Unfamiliar smells or items may prompt investigative bites. These are not meant to harm.
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Fear: Scared, stressed iguanas may nip as a fear response. Juveniles tend to bite more than adult iguanas.
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Territorialism: Male iguanas are very territorial and will bite intruders. Never allow iguanas on your head or shoulders.
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Mating Season: Male iguanas may bite while grasping mates. Use alcohol to encourage release.
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Predator Defense: Feral iguanas will bite aggressively when captured or cornered.
Iguana Bite Symptoms
Iguana bites can lead to the following injuries:
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Laceration-type wounds with ragged edges
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Bruising or heavy bleeding at the bite site
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Deep puncture wounds if the iguana had a firm grasp
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Crushing damage if the jaws clamped down on fingers or toes
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Risk of bacterial infection from reptile saliva entering wounds
Iguana bites are not venomous and only a mild toxin is present. This toxin is not considered dangerous to humans.
First Aid Treatment for Iguana Bites
If you or a pet are bitten by an iguana, take the following first aid steps:
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Immediately wash the bite wound with warm, soapy water
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Flush puncture wounds aggressively to clean out debris
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Apply a disinfectant like Betadine to the injured area
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Bandage the wound and apply antibiotic ointment
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Monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, discharge
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Seek medical care if the bite is severe or becomes infected
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Complete any prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
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Change the bandage and ointment daily while healing
Preventing Iguana Bites
Use these bite prevention tips when interacting with iguanas:
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Properly socialize and train pet iguanas through frequent calm handling
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Learn to identify an iguana’s body language indicating fear or aggression
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Always support an iguana’s whole body; never dangle them by the tail
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Move slowly and speak softly when interacting with iguanas
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Never make direct eye contact which can be seen as challenging
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Allow iguanas time to settle when entering their enclosure
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Prevent male iguanas from seeing humans as sexual rivals
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Wear protective gloves and long sleeves when capturing wild iguanas
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Carefully contain and relocate feral iguanas instead of trying to touch or pick them up
Are Iguana Bites Dangerous?
Most iguana bites are not life-threatening injuries. However, they can lead to secondary infections or serious damage if left untreated:
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Deep lacerations may require stitches and cause unsightly scarring
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Crushed or severed fingers, if bitten on the hands, may need surgery
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Infection risks increase if wounds are not properly disinfected
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Salmonella and other bacteria from iguana mouths can cause illness
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Allergic reactions, though rare, may occur with severe swelling and rash
Children and the elderly are at highest risk of complications from iguana bites. Seek emergency care for bites on the face or neck areas. With prompt first aid and medical treatment, most iguana bites heal without serious issues.
Summary
While iguanas appear friendly and docile, their sharp teeth can inflict damage when they bite. All iguanas are capable of biting but well-socialized pets and proper handling substantially reduces your risks. If you are bitten, stay calm, wash the wound, and seek medical care if the bite seems severe. With safety precautions, iguana bites should not deter you from keeping these fascinating lizards as pets.
The Most Common Types of Iguanas
Iguanas are a reptile species that belong to the family Iguanidae. The best-known species of iguana is the green iguana, also known as the common iguana. Males of this species can reach a maximum length of over two meters.
Male common iguanas are typically green with dark bands that form rings on their tails, while females are grayish green and about half the weight of males. They are most often seen basking in the sun on tree branches overhanging water.
It’s Not Just Their Teeth: Once Provoked, Iguanas Can Do Damage
An iguana’s teeth may be sharp, but they’re more often used to tear into plants rather than to attack humans or other animals. However, once provoked, an iguana can do damage.
Iguanas can do significant damage to unsuspecting animals and humans alike using their strong jaw bones and long tails. These reptiles use their tails as defense mechanisms against predators, and they’ve been known to strike humans if threatened.
Iguanas also have sharp claws, which can also be used for self-defense. While it’s unlikely that their scratches can be lethal, they can certainly cause infections if not treated quickly. So, while an iguana attack may not be deadly, it is best to stay away.
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FAQ
What happens if an iguana bites you?
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Physical Injury:Iguanas have sharp, serrated teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds, lacerations, and even embedded teeth.
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Infection:Iguanas can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Mycobacterium marinum in their mouths, which can lead to infections if the bite is not properly cleaned and treated.
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Serratia marcescens:A growing concern is infection with Serratia marcescens, which is usually sensitive to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
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Tetanus:If the bite is not properly treated, there is a risk of tetanus.
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Other Diseases:Iguanas can also carry other diseases and parasites, though these are less common.
How powerful is an iguana bite?
The teeth of an iguana are designed to rip at plant material but can still deliver painful bites to people and pets. They have extremely powerful jaws capable of exerting considerable pressure. Luckily, iguanas will give warning before biting, so knowing what to look for can save people from potential injury.
Are iguanas poisonous to humans?
Iguanas possess atrophied venom glands that produce a weak harmless venom, and they are common pets to reptile collectors. Nevertheless, iguanas possess dozens of sharp serrated teeth. Although bites are relatively uncommon, they can produce serious injuries to faces, fingers, wrists, and ankles.
What to do after an iguana bite?
Swab the wound with Betadine (povidone-iodine, or Hibiclens [chlorhexidine gluconate] or Bactine if you are allergic to iodine products), then top with an antibacterial ointment or cream. I prefer to keep bad bites bandaged 24 hrs/day for the first 2-3 days, then leave it unbandaged during the day, bandaged at night.
Could an iguana bite off a human hand?
When his mouth opens, he is indicating that he is ready to bite. An iguana can move quickly and attack before a human has a chance to react. If bitten, a person should not yank or remove his hand as this can cause more damage. An iguana typically bites and releases immediately.
Why do iguanas bite so hard?
Your iguana is in breeding season and wants to mate with you. He will bite onto you like he would bite a female. This is not a dangerous bite, however your iguana holds on until he is finished. If you try and push him away he will become aggressive and bite harder.
What if my Iguana Bites Me?
Iguana bites generally require stitches. What to Do About Iguana Bites. The bacteria for Salmonella can be found in the mouths and feces of iguanas and can cause severe infections. Therefore, it is essential to rinse the wound vigorously, wash it with hot, soapy water, and then seek medical attention when iguanas bite.
What does an iguana get eaten by?
Marine iguanas are sometimes eaten by large fish such as sharks. Many species, or types, of iguanas have spines on their backs to help keep predators from eating them. As for what an iguana eats, iguanas eat a variety of leaves and other vegetation.