Iguanas are not poisonous animals and do not produce toxins or venom. This is a common misconception, often due to their reptilian nature and intimidating appearance. However, iguanas possess natural defense mechanisms that can cause injury if they feel threatened.
Understanding Iguana Defenses
The misconception about iguanas often stems from a general fear of reptiles. Unlike venomous reptiles, iguanas do not have venom glands. Their primary defenses are physical. When an iguana feels cornered or provoked, it may bite. Iguanas have sharp, serrated teeth and powerful jaws that can inflict painful lacerations and puncture wounds.
Beyond biting, iguanas use their sharp claws for defense. Primarily for climbing, these claws can cause deep scratches when scrambling away. Their long, muscular tails are another weapon. An iguana can deliver powerful tail whips with surprising speed and force, capable of causing bruises, welts, or even fractures. These tail whips are often a warning signal before further defense.
Iguana saliva is not toxic, but their mouths harbor bacteria. A significant concern is Salmonella, which iguanas carry and shed through their feces. If a bite breaks the skin, these bacteria can enter the wound, leading to infections like salmonellosis. This bacterial risk underscores the importance of proper wound care and hygiene after skin-breaking contact.
Safe Encounters and Bite Management
Observing iguanas from a distance is the safest approach, as they are generally not aggressive unless provoked or cornered. Give iguanas space and avoid threatening actions, such as attempting to pick them up or making sudden movements. Avoid feeding wild iguanas; this encourages them to associate humans with food, reducing their natural wariness and increasing defensive responses. Signs of stress include rapid breathing, hissing, puffing up their dewlap (the skin flap under their chin), and head bobbing.
If an iguana bite or scratch breaks the skin, immediate and thorough wound care is important due to the risk of bacterial infection, particularly from Salmonella. Rinse and wash the wound with warm, soapy water to remove debris and bacteria. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic solution or antibacterial ointment, and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
Seek medical attention for any iguana bite that is deep, causes significant bleeding, or shows signs of infection like redness, swelling, pain, or pus. Inform doctors the injury was caused by a reptile, as specific antibiotics may be needed to address gram-negative bacteria found in their mouths. Individuals who are very young, elderly, pregnant, or have weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness from bacterial infections like salmonellosis and should be cautious. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.