Iguanas, with their prehistoric appearance, inhabit various environments, from tropical wildlands to suburban backyards and homes as pets. While often perceived as docile, these reptiles can pose potential dangers. Understanding their behavior and associated risks is important for safe coexistence. Although not inherently aggressive, specific situations can trigger defensive actions.
Iguana Behavior and Potential Threats
Iguanas are primarily herbivorous and generally timid, preferring to flee from perceived threats. However, when an iguana feels cornered, threatened, or during its breeding season, its behavior can shift to defensive aggression. Male iguanas, in particular, become more territorial and aggressive during breeding season, which often occurs at the end of summer.
Before resorting to physical action, iguanas commonly display several warning signs. These include standing on all four legs to appear larger, drawing a deep breath, puffing up their body, and lowering their dewlap (the skin flap under their chin). Rapid head bobbing, tail whipping, and hissing are also clear signals of agitation, indicating a defensive posture. Recognizing these cues can help individuals avoid escalating an encounter and prevent injury.
Physical Harms from Iguanas
Iguanas can inflict physical harm primarily through bites and scratches. An iguana bite, while not venomous, can be painful and serious due to their strong jaws and sharp teeth. Iguanas possess between 80 and 120 small, diamond-shaped, serrated teeth, designed for tearing vegetation but capable of causing deep lacerations and puncture wounds. Bites most often occur on exposed areas like hands, fingers, wrists, and ankles. If the bite breaks the skin, teeth can sometimes become embedded, increasing the risk of bacterial infections.
Beyond bites, iguanas also have sharp claws used for climbing, which they can use defensively to cause significant skin abrasions and deep scratches. These injuries, while not life-threatening, can be painful and bleed profusely. Both bites and scratches carry a risk of infection from bacteria, requiring prompt wound care. For any iguana bite or significant scratch, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage. Seek medical attention for deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection.
Health Risks Associated with Iguanas
Beyond physical injury, iguanas pose health risks primarily through bacterial transmission. The most common concern is Salmonella, which iguanas, like most reptiles, naturally carry in their digestive tracts. Salmonella bacteria are shed in the iguana’s feces and can contaminate their skin, enclosures, and any surfaces they touch. Humans can become infected through the fecal-oral route, such as by touching an iguana or contaminated surfaces and then their mouth, or through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of salmonellosis in humans appear within 6 to 72 hours after exposure and can include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, and headache. Most healthy individuals recover within a few days to a week without specific treatment, though dehydration can become severe. Certain groups face a higher risk of serious illness, including children under five, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In these vulnerable populations, Salmonella infections can lead to severe conditions like bloodstream infections.
Safe Interactions and Prevention
Minimizing risks involves maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding direct contact with iguanas. Never attempt to handle wild iguanas, as they may become defensive. Avoid feeding wild iguanas; this can lead to them associating humans with food, increasing their presence in residential areas and reducing their natural wariness.
Good hygiene practices are important for those living with wild iguana populations or owning iguanas as pets. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is necessary after any contact with an iguana or its environment. Pet owners should regularly clean and disinfect enclosures and any items that come into contact with the iguana. To discourage wild iguanas from gathering near homes, removing potential food sources like fallen fruit and securing properties by trimming overhanging branches or installing barriers can be effective.