How to Keep a Wild Lizard

Many people have childhood memories of catching bugs, frogs and even lizards in an attempt to make them a household pet. Lizards can be found outside nearly every home in the United States, making them a popular catch. While catching lizards can be fun for children, it is not recommended as wild lizards require a natural habitat for survival. If you or your children are determined to keep a wild lizard as a pet, learn a few basics to ensure its survival.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium tank
  • Heated rock (optional)
  • Crickets (optional)
  • Lizard food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your lizard's color design and compare it with pictures of other lizards online, checking to ensure the lizard is not poisonous. If you are unsure whether or not the lizard is poisonous, release it immediately to avoid injury to yourself or your children.

    • 2

      Purchase a 10-gallon aquarium tank from your local pet store. You can keep your lizard in a cardboard box if you prefer; however, you must cut out small holes to provide ventilation for the lizard and provide a cover to prevent escape. Place grass, dirt or gravel inside the tank depending on the environment to which the lizard is accustomed. Adding a heat rock to the tank will also help the lizard adapt to the tank.

    • 3

      Purchase lizard food from your pet store. Select the appropriate food for the type of lizard you are keeping, as some lizards are herbivores and others are carnivores. You can place crickets or grass inside the tank with your lizard if you do not want to purchase lizard food.

    • 4

      Monitor your lizard's activity. If the lizard shows signs of poor health, set it free immediately, as it may not be adapting to its new habitat. You must also monitor the lizard's growth, as it may become too large for the aquarium tank.