Iguanas are not generally dangerous to humans, but they can cause harm if feeling threatened or provoked. They have sharp teeth and strong tails that they may use in defense, and they can carry salmonella bacteria, which poses health risks if bites break the skin or if hands and surfaces aren’t cleaned after handling. Key points
- Behavior: Most iguanas are not aggressive toward people, but males can be territorial, especially during mating season, and they may bite or whip their tails if cornered or stressed. Warning signals include head bobbing, hissing, and tail thrashing.
- Health risks: Bites can be painful and may require medical attention. Iguanas commonly harbor Salmonella, which can be transmitted through bites or contact with their fluids or surfaces they touched. Proper hygiene is important when handling them.
- Pet considerations: Keeping iguanas as pets can pose risks to both humans and the animal, including potential bites and salmonella exposure, and they require specialized care, space, and enclosure conditions.
Practical safety tips
- If approached by an iguana, give it space and avoid sudden movements; back away slowly rather than cornering it.
- Wash hands after handling an iguana or anything it touched, and sanitize surfaces to prevent salmonella spread.
- If an iguana bites or you suspect infection, seek medical advice promptly.
If you want, I can tailor this to a specific context (wild iguanas vs. pet iguanas, or a particular region) and provide region-specific guidance on how to safety interact or manage them.
