Are Nile monitors aggressive?

Are Nile monitors aggressive?

Behavior and Temperament These reptiles are strong, can be aggressive, and are large. Most Nile monitors resist attempts to tame them, keeping their aggressive personalities through adulthood. When they are young, Nile monitors will whip their tails if they feel threatened.

How big will a Nile monitor get?

about 6.5 feet
Nile monitors can live up to 20 years in captivity. They are the largest lizard species in Africa and can attain lengths of about 6.5 feet and weigh up to 17.8 pounds, although a typical adult averages 5 feet in length and weighs close to 15 pounds.

Is Bengal monitor poisonous?

The Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is a large lizard that is mainly terrestrial. The monitors are carnivorous and non-poisonous.

Are monitor lizards dangerous to humans?

Monitor lizards generally aren’t that dangerous to humans, except for Komodo Dragons (which will happily eat a human if one comes its way). Even the largest species like the black throat, peach throat, Nile, and Perentie pretty much hunt only creatures that can fit in their mouths.

Where do Nile monitor lizards live?

Nile monitor is a large member of monitor family lizards found throughout much of Africa, but is the species is not found in the west where it is replaced by West Africa Nile Monitor. The species is also known by African small-grain lizard, water leguaan, or river leguaan.

Are Nile monitors aggressive to humans?

Nile monitors are often found in the pet trade despite a highly aggressive demeanor and resistance to taming. Juvenile monitors will tail whip as a defensive measure, and as adults they are capable of inflicting moderate to serious wounds from biting and scratching.

What do monitor lizards eat in the wild?

Nile monitor lizards feast on small creatures, such as mice and rats, in the wild. Those in captivity are usually fed raw chicken. Although they have become popular in the US as an exotic pet, they are considered dangerous due to their sharp teeth and the bacteria in their mouths.