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Are tegu lizards dangerous?

Tegus are some of the largest lizards out there, yet they are relatively harmless to humans.

Tegu attacks are rare but getting bitten by a tegu can be a very painful experience that requires medical attention.

Regardless, tegus that are raised in captivity develop a tame disposition and rarely show signs of aggression.

Despite being harmless to humans, wild tegu lizards pose a threat to other species especially in the US where they have become an invasive species after being introduced from South America.

Wild tegus are not venomous nor dangerous to humans.
A wild Argentine tegu. Photo courtesy of Dennis Jarvis.

Wild tegus can be aggressive but even then they rarely ever attack humans. If they do, they might start tail whipping and biting, which can hurt, a lot.

Tegu lizards are actually equipped with sharp mammal-like teeth and have a powerful, ferocious bite that can break bones.

Luckily they are not big enough to seriously harm an adult person (although an aggressive tegu could technically bite your finger off, so don’t try their patience) and tegus attacks are rare.

Getting bitten by a tegu is comparable to getting bitten by a dog and it may require medical attention in some cases.

There is a report of a man in Brazil who was hurt by a wild tegu while trying to defend his dog, he had laceration on the top of his finger and excruciating pain for several hours.


Tegu lizards are neither poisonous nor venomous. They do not have venom glands and they do not produce any poison in their body. In fact, tegu meat is consumed in some cultures.

Other species of lizards (e.g. monitor lizards) contain venom glands and venomous substances in their saliva, this is not the case for tegus.

Their bite is not venomous although bite injuries can still get infected and need to be treated accordingly.

Like all reptiles, tegus contain moderate amounts of harmful bacteria such as salmonella in their bodies which can potentially be transmitted to humans through their bite and droppings.


Tegus are not aggressive lizards, but they have sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Their bite is not venomous, but it can be painful and cause infection.

Tegu bite force is around 1000 N, which is one of the stronger bites amongst reptiles. Thankfully, because tegus are relatively small in size, their bite can be compared to that of a small dog, and it is generally not considered dangerous for humans.

To prevent a tegu from biting you, get it used to being handled from a young age and avoid hand feeding.

If you are bitten by a tegu, assess the severity of the bite and wash the wound with antibacterial soap. If the bite is deep, seek medical attention.

A full grown tegu can technically bite off your finger, but it is unlikely to do so accidentally. Wild tegus can be aggressive and have been known to bite humans, so it is best to approach those with caution.


Tegus are omnivore and especially good at preying on other animal eggs.

They have been observed feeding on both bird and crocodile eggs in the wild, which is a concern in some US states such as Florida and Georgia where they have been introduced in recent years through the pet trade market and have become an invasive species.

Can tegus live with other pets?
Tegus are a threat to small pets such as birds and rodents.

Wild tegu diet also consists primarily of insects when they are juvenile, but as adults they grow big enough to prey on rodents and birds, and they could potentially harm larger animals.

Domesticated tegus are however generally not a threat to other pets such as cats and dogs.

If you have a pet mouse, rat or hamster, a bird or smaller lizard, then it is adviced to let them out of sight of your adult tegu, who may see them as a potential prey, as this is what they would normally feed on in the wild.


Are tegus dangerous?

Tegus are generally not dangerous to humans. They are generally docile and rarely show signs of aggression when raised in captivity.

However, tegus have strong jaws and sharp teeth, so if they feel threatened or cornered, they may bite or tail whip as a defensive response.

While tegus are not large enough to cause serious harm to adults, their bites can be painful and may require medical attention.


Are tegus poisonous or venomous?

No, tegu lizards are neither poisonous nor venomous.

Unlike other types of lizards such as Monitor lizards, tegus do not have venom glands or produce venomous substances in their saliva.

While their bites are not venomous, any bite wounds can still become infected and should be treated appropriately.


Are tegus dangerous to pets?

When properly cared for and supervised, domesticated tegus are generally not dangerous to other mid-sized pets such as cats and dogs.

Smaller pets can potentially be seen as a prey. Birds, rodents and other lizards are part of what a tegu would eat in the wild. If you have a pet hamster, never let your tegu unattended near it.


Are tegus aggressive?

Tegu behavior can vary between species and individuals.

While some types of tegus, namely the Gold / Colombian tegu, are sometimes considered more aggressive, this is often due to their wild-caught status and lack of domestication.

Argentine tegus, which are commonly bred in captivity, tend to have a tamer disposition.

Proper socialization, handling, and care from an early age can help mitigate any potential aggression in tegus.


Can a tegu bite your finger off?

While a tegu bite can cause significant lacerations and there have been reports of severe injuries, it’s unlikely for a tegu to bite a finger off.

Most tegu bites happen by accident during feeding. It’s recommended to use tongs to feed your tegu or provide food in a bowl or container to prevent accidental bites.

A pet tegu who bites you by accident will usually stop before it can do any serious damage.

However, there have been rare cases of people who had their fingers bitten by wild tegus while trying to protect their pet from an attack.


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