Pet reptiles are usually tamed. However, certain scenarios make them aggressive. If you are planning to have a pet reptile or are facing the aggression of your pet reptile, this article is for you. You will learn why pet reptiles become aggressive, deadly aggressive reptiles, and how they behave under aggression. In the end, you’ll also learn how to handle the aggressive reptiles. There is a fun activity there. So keep on reading to learn and share your thoughts about it.
Content Table
aggressive reptiles
Why Are Pet Reptiles Aggressive?
There are multiple reasons why pet reptiles become aggressive. Here are some of them.
Fear and Stress
Some unfamiliar situations or sudden movements in the cage can cause fear and stress among reptiles, which leads to aggression. In this situation, they can bite to defend themselves or show aggression.
Defense
If they feel threatened, their aggressive mode turns on. In such a situation, they hiss or tend to bite the aggressor.
Poor Handling
Initially, when the human-reptile bond is not fully mature, they are aggressive toward humans. Their aggression is more visible when someone suddenly approaches them or does some mishandling.
Territorial Nature
Some reptiles are highly territorial, e.g., iguanas, chameleons, etc. If some try to intervene in their territory, these animals become aggressive. They defend their space and resources at every cost.
Resource Scarcity
You can face their aggression if you have housed numerous reptiles in your cage. They will fight for basking spots, food, breeding mates, hiding places, etc.
Adult Age
When pet reptiles reach adulthood or sexual maturity, they show aggression because of hormonal changes and desire to have a suitable partner, i.e., a breeding partner.
Territory for Nest
They are aggressive toward others when building a nest for upcoming babies or finding a breeding place.
Non-suitable living conditions
If you overlook them, they will show aggression. Improper lighting, inadequate spacing, temperature, etc., tend to lead to stress, and this stress can cause aggression.
Insufficient Dietary
Limited food supply also causes aggression among your pet reptiles.
The Most Aggressive Species of Reptile
The reptile world is full of aggressive species. However, some species lie at the top tier of aggression. Here are some of them, i.e., class and sub-species.
| Crocodiles | |
| Saltwater crocodile | They are the most aggressive crocodiles. They are highly territorial and perform the deadliest attacks. Their bite force is 3,700 PSI, i.e., the strongest bite of any reptile. |
| Nile Crocodile | Nile crocodiles are historically known for their aggression. They perform about 275 to 745 attacks annually in the sub-Saharan region. 63% of them prove fatal. You can understand the severity as the saltwater crocodile only performs 30 attacks per year, with 50% fatality. |
| Alligators | |
| American Alligator | They are less aggressive than crocodiles. They are known for their territorial behavior. Adult male alligators are heavier than females. Males weigh about 230 kg, and females weigh about 91 kg. |
| Snakes | |
| Black Mamba | Although they are shy and evasive. However, they are highly aggressive when cornered. In this situation, they bite multiple times in quick succession with speed and agility. |
| King Cobra | Generally, King Kobra is not aggressive toward humans. However, when they feel threatened, they become aggressive. They hiss and stand tall as a warning before attacking humans. They have potent neurotoxic venom that is enough to kill an elephant within a few hours. |
| Russell’s Viper | They are known for their quick defensive strike and deadly venomous attacks. Their venom proves fatal because supplying antivenom in their natural distribution areas is hard. |
| Monitor Lizards | |
| Komodo Dragon | They are one of the large lizards, i.e., up to 10 feet long and 130 kg in weight. They are carnivorous. They rarely attack humans. However, their attacks are fatal. In 2008, a Komodo dragon killed an 8-year-old child. They use their teeth and claws to defend themselves. |
| Nile Monitor | They are one of the large families of monitors. Under stress and feeling cornered, they can even bite their owner. They show aggression with tail-whipping, hissing, and biting. They are territorial and even try to invade other animals’ territory. |
| Turtles | |
| Alligator Snapping Turtle | They are known for their powerful biting force, i.e., 8.2 to 1872 Newton, and 200 mph biting speed. You can face their aggression when someone tries to handle them. Their aggression is more visible on land as compared to water. |
| Common Snapping Turtle | They have a rough shell, strong jaws, and a tail. They use their jaws to bite under stress or defensive conditions. On average, they have 210 Newton bite force. |
Aggressive Reptile Behavior
We can’t generalize the aggressive behavior of all pet reptiles. Every species shows its aggression in a specific way. Here are some pet reptiles and their behavior.
| Specie | Aggressive Behaviors |
| Bearded Dragon | Puffs up the beard |
| Head bobbing | |
| Tail whipping | |
| Occasional biting | |
| Savannah/Nile Monitor | Tail whipping |
| Hissing | |
| Charging | |
| Biting when provoked | |
| Tokay Gecko | Loud barking |
| Strong bite | |
| Lunging at threats | |
| Ball Python | Hissing |
| Occasional striking | |
| Coiling into a ball | |
| Boa Constrictor/Python | Hissing |
| Flattening body | |
| Striking when threatened | |
| Hognose Snake | Puffing up |
| Hissing | |
| Bluffing by playing dead | |
| Snapping Turtle | Strong bite |
| Hissing | |
| Lunging at perceived threats | |
| Red-Eared Slider | Bite under stress |
| Aggressive toward other tank mates |
The 5 Most Aggressive Pet Reptiles
Tokay Gecko
Tokay Geckos are among the most aggressive pet reptiles. They live around the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Males are more aggressive than females. Under aggression, they tend to bite so hard that they can even pierce the skin. Moreover, loud vocalizations and strong territorial behavior are other symbols of aggression.
If you want to keep a Tokay Gecko as a pet, keep them in a secure and well-ventilated enclosure. Provide ample hiding spots in the enclosure. Do minimal handling as they don’t like it.
Savannah Monitor
Savannah Monitor is another aggressive pet reptile. They live in savannas, woodlands, and grasslands in sub-Saharan African regions. Usually, they don’t attack. However, on provoking, they launch a quick strike, tail whipping and biting.
If you want to keep them as a pet, ensure certain things. Keep them in a large and enriched enclosure. Keep them only if you are highly experienced. Ensure daily exercise and environmental enrichment.
Nile Monitor
Nile Monitors are also aggressive. They are present in African wetlands, riverbanks, and forests. Their aggression is visible in a defensive mood. If they feel offended, they bite and rapidly attack the aggressor. As a pet, provide ample space and secure them in strong barriers. Before keeping them, gradually acclimate them to maintain their health and strength.
Boa Constrictor
They are native to the forests and grasslands of Central and South American regions. Their aggression is visible when they are startled or mishandled. Initially, they hiss to threaten the aggressor. However, as a last resort, they strike at the aggressor. They can bite, but their bite is not deadly for humans. They bite seldom humans but keep them in a secure and escape-free enclosure. Maintain proper temperature and humidity as well. Regularly and gently handling them to win their trust.
Snapping Turtle
Snapping turtles live in North American freshwater ponds, rivers, and wetlands. They are not offensive in water. However, when they are on land, their aggression is visible. They have a powerful bite, a threatening hiss, and lunging. Keep them in a semi-aquatic enclosure. Always provide them with clean water and also maintain a proper temperature. Avoid sudden handling to keep them stress-free.
Handle the aggressive reptiles
Try to Handle the Aggressive Reptiles
If you want to keep an aggressive reptile, take some precautions. It will help you to avoid any accidents. Here are some tips to handle aggressive various reptile pets.
General Instructions
- Always move them slowly and keep them relaxed. Sudden movement can provoke them.
- Always research your preferred reptile. Know about its trigger points.
- Before handling, ensure all precautionary measures are taken. Wear gloves, use hooks and tongs.
Instructions for Specific Reptile Species
Lizards
- Always do little handling of extra-aggressive reptiles, e.g., snapping turtles, Nile monitors, etc.
- Don’t handle them from overhead. Go sideways.
- Use both hands for large reptile handling.
- Avoid excessive eye contact. Some reptiles understand this as a challenge.
- Don’t pull the lizards from the tail.
Snakes
- Snakes require different handling. Always use a snake hook.
- Gently handle snakes. Don’t squeeze them, as it can trigger their defensive sense.
- Never reach the snake when they are making an S-shaped posture, as it’s an attacking position.
- Handle them shortly.
- Don’t handle snakes after feeding, as they can bite at that time.
Turtles
- Always hold the turtle from the back or shell. Holding from the front can put you in turtle bite danger.
- Keep your fingers away from the head, as a turtle can crush them.
- Keep them in a container while transporting them from one place to another.
- While lifting, support their bodies. Dangling can cause stress among them.
- Handling from the tail can cause spinal injuries.
How to Calm Down an Aggressive Pet?
- Never try to handle the pet until it is acclimated. Give time and space.
- Schedule feeding and maintenance routine. It helps to build trust between the reptile and the handler.
- Always handle your pet gently. Force handling can cause aggression among them.
- Use food to build trust between you and your reptile.
Calm down, aggressive reptiles
Wrapping Up
Reptiles become aggressive for many reasons, e.g., sudden approach or mishandling, territorial behavior, limited food supply, adulthood, etc. Some crocodiles, alligators, snakes, turtles, and monitor Lizards are supercharged reptiles. Each one shows aggression differently. You can handle aggressive reptiles by building trust, using safety measures, gentle handling, etc. Do you have any aggressive pet reptile stories? Let us know.
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