Vicious attacking iguana

[Krokkie]

My sister has a 6 year old male iguana, and he's gone into breeding season again. He is VICIOUS and attacks her as well as her kids. He seems to be getting worse every year during the breeding season. He is a free roaming iguana and has the living room for himself. He gets all the love and attention an iguana could possibly wish for. We tried channeling his aggression towards pillows and stuffed toys when he was a youngster, but now he goes for people. Why did it work for my 11 year old male iguana, but not for hers? My iguana is also free roaming in the house, and never attacked me or anyone else, only the pillow and the stuffed toys during breeding season for the past 10 years. What can I do to help my sister cope with her iguana's extremely aggressive behaviour? They're getting scared of him, and he knows it, too!

[Bushviper]

That animals needs to be moved to a cage soon. The cage should be spacious and not have any spots where it will be higher than the person entering so that it is never in a "superior" position. This might help.

In the mean time make sure it does not come into contact with children. One decent bite from an iguana could ensure the authorities classify it as a dangerous animal and confiscate it and euthanase it.

[Blet]

From a vet's perspective...consider neutering him. Various arguments for and against neutering in iguanas have been put forward, but if seasonality plays a role, testosterone is the driving force. Aggression in male iguanas is nothing new and, in my opinion, a serious issue. I've seen tips of fingers nipped off clean and have to agree with Arno...dont risk it. If you're not convinced about or decide against neutering, this oke should be caged at all times. Another topic, is aggression of male iguanas towards or over female owners. These animals are intelligent with increadible senses. Lastly, no reptile enjoys attention or cuddles. Cage them appropriately and admire their beauty.

[Krokkie]

Thanks! I agree that my sister's iguana should be caged, at least until breeding season is over. We both live in the Northern Cape and we don't have the luxury of reptile specialist vets. I guess I'm lucky to have an iguana with such an agreeable temperament. He's 11 now, and calmed down quite nicely after 4 years of age. He's very, very tame and comes to me when I call him. He seems to enjoy human company very much, takes food from my hand and really enjoys cuddling and kissing (he likes 'kissing' me with his sticky tongue!) It is quite strange how iguana personalities could differ! I will help my sister to set up a large outdoor enclosure for her iguana where he could stay during the day. She loves her iguana very much and would rather have him caged up that confiscated!