Whether you’re a fan of reptiles or not, you have to admit that some of the most venomous creatures on Earth make for pretty interesting pets. You might be surprised to learn that many of these animals are legal to own in the United States, despite their deadly venom. Here are ten of the most venomous pets you can own (legally) in America.
- Bearded Dragon
- Gila Monster
- Desert Tortoise
- Chuckwalla
- Leopard Gecko
- Blue-Tongued Skink
- Veiled chameleon
- African Fat-tailed gecko
- Crested gecko
- Rhinoceros iguana
Read More: 12 Pets That Look Like Cats but Aren’t
Bearded Dragon
The Bearded Dragon is a popular pet reptile that can be found in many homes across America. These lizards are relatively calm and docile, making them great pets for first-time reptile owners. Though they are not venomous, they can deliver a nasty bite if provoked.
Gila Monster
The Gila Monster is one of the few venomous lizards in the world and is also illegal to own in many states. These lizards are native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They grow to an average length of two feet and can weigh up to five pounds. Gila Monsters have a very potent venom that they use to subdue their prey. Though bites from these lizards are rare, they can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Desert Tortoise
The desert tortoise is a popular pet in the southwestern United States. These turtles are relatively docile and make great pets for families with children. Though they are not venomous, they can deliver a painful bite if provoked. The desert tortoise is a resilient creature that can live up to 50 years in captivity. They are shy by nature and prefer to be left alone. They make great pets for people who do not want a high-maintenance animal.
They require very little care and are content to live in a simple enclosure. When choosing a desert tortoise as a pet, it is important to select one that has been captive bred. Wild caught desert tortoises are protected under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to remove them from the wild.
Check it out: Can You Own a Raccoon Dog as a Pet
Chuckwalla
The Chuckwalla is a large lizard that is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States. These lizards can grow to over two feet in length and can weigh up to five pounds. Chuckwallas are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked.
Leopard Gecko
Leopard Geckos are small lizards that are native to the deserts of Asia. These lizards are popular pets due to their docile nature and striking appearance. Leopard Geckos are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked. Leopard Geckos typically grow to be about 8 to 10 inches long, and they live for around 15 years in captivity.
These lizards are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. Leopard Geckos are solitary creatures, and they should not be housed with other lizards. If you’re thinking of getting a Leopard Gecko as a pet, make sure to do your research first. These reptiles require special care, and they’re not suitable for everyone.
Blue-Tongued Skink
The Blue-Tongued Skink is a large lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards are popular pets due to their docile nature and striking appearance. Blue-Tongued Skinks are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked.
Read More: 15 Unique and Rare Exotic Pets
Veiled Chameleon
The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a large lizard that is native to the deserts of Arabia. These lizards are popular pets due to their docile nature and striking appearance. Veiled Chameleons can grow up to two feet in length, and their bodies are covered in a protective layer of scales. These lizards are able to change their skin color in order to camouflage themselves, but they are most often seen in shades of green and brown.
Veiled Chameleons are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked. These lizards are relatively easy to care for, but they require a warm and humid environment. They also need plenty of space to move around, so they should be kept in a large enclosure. With proper care, Veiled Chameleons can live for up to 10 years in captivity.
African Fat-tailed Gecko
The African Fat-tailed Gecko is a small lizard that is native to the deserts of Africa. These lizards are popular pets due to their docile nature and striking appearance. African Fat-tailed Geckos are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked.
Crested Gecko
The Crested Gecko is a small lizard that is native to the island of New Caledonia. These lizards are popular pets due to their docile nature and striking appearance. Crested Geckos are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked.
These lizards are nocturnal, so they are often more active at night. During the day, they like to hide in crevices or hollow logs. Crested Geckos are typically brown or gray in color, but they can also be brightly colored.
These lizards can live for up to 20 years in captivity. If you are thinking of getting a Crested Gecko as a pet, be sure to do your research first. These lizards require specialized care, and they are not suitable for every household.
Read More: A Guide to Caring and Legally Owning for a Pet Otter
Rhinoceros Iguana
The Rhinoceros Iguana is a large lizard that is native to the island of Hispaniola. These lizards are popular pets due to their docile nature and striking appearance. Rhinoceros Iguanas are not venomous, but they can deliver a painful bite if provoked. Adult males can grow up to six feet in length, making them one of the largest species of iguana.
Their skin is thick and horny, and ranges in color from green to brown. They get their name from the two large horns that protrude from their snout. Although they are not aggressive by nature, Rhinoceros Iguanas will defend themselves if they feel threatened. When handled by humans, they should be treated with care and respect.
If you are considering adding a Rhinoceros Iguana to your family, be sure to do your research and provide them with a safe and comfortable home.
