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Are monitor lizards dangerous?

Monitor lizards are large, intelligent reptiles that can grow up to 10 feet in size and some of the most threatening animals out there: almost all species of monitor lizards are carnivores, venomous, and equipped with sharp claws and bone-crushing teeth.

Yet, they are not generally considered dangerous to humans and surprisingly common as house pets.

Are Monitor Lizards Dangerous?

Komodo dragon, the most dangerous monitor lizard

The largest and most famous species of monitor lizard is perhaps the Komodo dragon, an endangered species that lives in a few islands in Indonesia, which also happens to be extremely dangerous.

The Komodo dragon regularly feasts on large animals such as deers and buffalos as well as small rodents and snakes and anything in between.

As long as it is alive, or used to be, the Komodo dragon will eat it. To hunt, they use their shark-like teeth and inject a potent venom when they bite.

Adults even prey on their babies and juvenile Komodos spend most of the time climbing trees to escape from their own kind.

Komodo dragons seldom attack humans, but they have killed and eaten people in the past, including an 8 year old child.

Wild Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus)
Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), one of the most aggressive species of monitor lizards, can be kept as pet. Photo courtesy of Charles James Sharp.

Can pet monitor lizards kill a human?

Komodo dragons cannot be kept as pets (for obvious reasons), but other species can. Monitor lizards found in the pet trade are usually no longer than 5-6 feet, about half the size of a Komodo dragon, and they are not considered dangerous to humans despite being venomous.

This is because with consistent handling and by keeping them happy, they are relatively docile, and intelligent enough to recognize their owners as caregivers and not “prey”.

That said, there was at least one known case of a man who was killed by its pet monitors, which he left roaming around the house.

The man allegedly died from an infection as a result of a lizard bite, then his seven Nile monitor lizards started feeding on him.

Whether the lizards ate him while he was still alive or after he perished has never been established, but it should be noticed that a monitor lizard bite can usually be treated with antibiotics and the venom is not fatal to humans.

If the man died because of an infection or underlying health condition, then it is possible the lizards fed on him only after he was already dead, and did not kill him intentionally.

Dogs are known to eat their owners if they die suddenly and they run out of food, too, but that doesn’t necessarily make people see them as dangerous.

Monitors are dangerous to pets and small animals

While monitor lizards may not pose a significant threat to humans, the same cannot be said for smaller animals or pets. Their venom, although mild to humans, can be deadly to smaller animals, including small dogs, cats or other pets. Additionally, monitor lizards have the potential to inflict injuries with their powerful jaws, causing harm to smaller animals that may be seen as prey, especially birds and rodents.


Are Monitor Lizards Dangerous?

While monitor lizards have a reputation for being fierce and intimidating, they are generally not considered dangerous to humans.

Most species of monitor lizards found in the pet trade are relatively docile and are not likely to attack unless they feel threatened.

That said, keep in mind that monitor lizards are still powerful animals with sharp claws and teeth, so they should always be handled with caution and respect.

It is also worth noting that while most monitor lizards are not inherently dangerous, there are some species that should be approached with caution.

For example, the Komodo dragon, which is the largest and most famous species of monitor lizard, is known to be extremely dangerous and has been known to attack and kill humans.

What Is the Most Dangerous Monitor Lizard?

The Komodo dragon, which is native to a few islands in Indonesia, is widely considered to be the most dangerous species of monitor lizard.

This is because Komodo dragons are capable of inflicting serious injuries with their sharp teeth and powerful jaws, and they also have venomous saliva that can cause a range of symptoms, including bleeding, swelling, and shock.

Despite their reputation as dangerous animals, Komodo dragons are actually quite rare in the wild and are protected by law in Indonesia.

They are also not typically found in the pet trade, as they are difficult to care for and require a large amount of space and specialized equipment. Because of this, attacks of Komodo dragons on humans are rare.

Can Monitor Lizards Kill Humans?

While it is rare for monitor lizards to attack humans, it is possible for them to inflict serious injuries or even kill a person.

The most well-known example of a monitor lizard killing a human is the Komodo dragon, which has been known to attack and kill people in the past.

Aside from the Komodo dragon, there are only a few recorded cases of monitor lizards killing humans.

Remember that monitor lizards are still powerful and potentially dangerous animals with sharp claws and teeth, so they should always be handled with caution and respect.

Are Monitor Lizards Venomous?

Yes, all species of monitor lizards are venomous, including the Komodo dragon, water monitors, Savannah monitors and Nile monitors.

Thankfully, the venom of most monitor lizards is not harmful to humans and is primarily used to subdue prey.

Monitor lizards have venom glands located in their lower jaws, and they use their sharp teeth to inject venom into their prey.

While the venom of most monitor lizards is not dangerous to humans, it can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms in some cases.

The bite of a monitor lizard can also be dangerous as it can transmit bacterias and cause infections.

How Strong Is a Monitor Lizard’s Bite?

The strength of a monitor lizard’s bite varies depending on the species, but most monitor lizards have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that are capable of inflicting serious injuries.

For example, the bite force of a savannah monitor lizard is around 10.7 PSI, while the bite force of a Komodo dragon can be as high as 600 PSI.

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