Bearded dragons -- especially young animals -- sometimes exhibit startling defensive displays by expanding their throat pouch and adopting intimidating postures. Though occasionally startling to new keepers, the behavior is largely a bluff, designed to dissuade potential predators. Over time, most bearded dragons stop puffing their beard, and become quite tame.
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Survival Strategy
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As they are not blessed with incredible speed, bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) rely heavily on camouflage to protect themselves from predators. Often, their colors and patterns allow them to blend seamlessly with the arid habitats from which they hail. However, eagle-eyed predators may spot them while they are moving or on top of a high-contrast substrate. Unlikely to escape these observant predators by fleeing, bearded dragons engage in complex defensive behaviors, intended to scare off would-be predators. While bearded dragons are not completely dependent on these bluffs -- they can bite hard -- they are important to the survival of the species.
Bluffs and Beards
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Bearded dragons derive their name from their extensible throat pouches, covered in jagged scales. When alarmed, bearded dragons extend these structures, increasing the apparent size of their heads. Some lizards exhibit dark-colored throat scales, which enhance the menacing effect of the display. Bearded dragons puff out their throats when confronting other dragons, and may exhibit darkening of the throat scales during the process.
The Whole Song and Dance
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The full defensive repertoire entails much more than puffing up their throats. The ultimate goal of bearded dragon bluffs is to make the lizards appear large and intimidating to perceived predators. To that end, bearded dragons may flatten their bodies, erect the spines along their sides and gape their mouths, in addition to puffing out their throats. The contrast between the dark throat scales and the light colored interior of the mouth makes for an impressive sight. If a perceived threat comes too close, the lizards may lunge at the predator and attempt to bite it.
Coming of Age
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Young bearded dragons are far more likely to puff out their beards than adults. Hatchlings also may flatten their bodies and gape their mouths at the first sign of danger. Usually, these displays fade with time, and tame adult bearded dragons rarely display such defensive postures or behaviors. However, exposure to natural sunlight may cause otherwise tame bearded dragons to react defensively toward their keepers.
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