What Types of Lizards Don't Bite?

Lizards tend to bite in self defense. A well cared-for pet lizard shouldn't bite, especially if it's socialized. Wild lizards may bite to protect themselves or their territory with some, like the Mexican bearded lizard, being poisonous. A few breeds of lizards tend to be more gentle or couldn't hurt you even if they did bite.

  1. Small Pet Lizards

    • Most small pet lizards don't bite. Leopard geckos are quite docile and enjoy being handled. While they don't bite humans, they do lick, deciding if you are food or not. Crested geckos also make a good beginner pet. At around 5 inches, they do not tend to bite and are easy to care for. Chameleons, especially those raised by humans since birth, do not bite very often. Most only bite if threatened. However, chameleons bite more often than small geckos.

    Large Pet Lizards

    • When looking for larger lizards, 1 foot or longer, that don't bite, you should choose breeds that can eat mostly vegetables. Bearded Dragons tend to be calm and rarely bite unless threatened. Although large, their bite does not hurt humans. You could keep a bearded dragon its entire life and never see it bite. Skinks also eat veggies and are docile. For a tougher looking lizard, an Ackie looks like a monitor without the biting and aggression. Ackies can be handled regularly.

    Wild Lizards

    • Wild lizards are not used to humans and may bite if picked up or approached. Smaller lizards, like the common house lizard and small geckos, do not bite because they usually run away rather than confront an approaching human. However, if you manage to get close enough, it may bite. Small lizard bites feel like a pinch, but larger lizards can draw blood.

    Lizards to Avoid

    • Exotic lizards, especially those caught in the wild, can be easily provoked and may lash out. Often called the Pit Bull of the lizard world, Tokay Geckos have a strong bite and tend to hold on for long periods. At almost a foot long, the Tokay's bite can be quite painful. Iguanas, which are one of the most popular pets, tend to bite. Female iguanas don't tolerate handling well. Iguanas that have grown accustomed to humans and being handled should not bite, but beginning lizard keepers should not choose iguanas as their first pet. Anoles not only bite, but are quite fast and tend to run away to avoid being handled. For such small lizards, they can pack a powerful bite.