Caring for a Nile monitor as a pet requires a spacious enclosure that mimics their natural habitat, proper heating and lighting, and a varied diet consisting of meat, fish, and insects. However, it’s important to note that Nile monitors are considered some of the most aggressive and challenging species to tame, requiring experience and knowledge to handle properly.
On Tuesday October 22nd the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board voted to restrict future ownership of exotic reptiles in response to the increasing number of invasive species threatening the native ecosystem. The ban was made specifically to tackle the problem of two invasive species of reptiles, Burmese pythons and Argentine Black and White tegu lizards, who are imported from South America and are often released or escape into the… Read More »Some Tegu and Monitor lizard species are no longer allowed as Pets in Georgia
Monitor lizards, such as the Komodo dragon, can grow up to 10 feet in size and are dangerous carnivores, yet are commonly kept as house pets due to their relative docility with consistent handling. While they can be venomous, their bites are usually treatable with antibiotics and not fatal to humans. However, there has been at least one case of a man being killed by his pet monitors, which may have been due to an infection from a bite rather than an intentional attack.
Monitor lizards, on par with tegus, are amongst the most highly intelligent reptiles out there. If you are keeping a big lizard as a pet, you will be amazed by their inquisitive nature, memory and awareness. As smart creatures, though, they tend to get bored easily and it is important for you as a caregiver to provide enough stimuli to keep them intellectually stimulated. This is called “enrichment”, and can… Read More »Big Lizard Enrichment: How to entertain your Monitor Lizard
Monitor lizards are becoming increasingly common as pets and they can make for a great reptile companion under the right circumstances. These creatures are highly intelligent, quite interactive, and can be tamed and even trained. Keeping a monitor lizard is however a huge commitment, both in terms of time and costs, and caring for large, exotic wild animals is definitely not for everyone. Monitor Lizard Pets Many species of monitor… Read More »Can you keep a monitor lizard as a pet?