new iguana

Question
Hi,

I just got a baby iguana from my cousin, and I was reading about iguanas last night and, well, I have a question.  What do you think the chances are that I will never get bitten by the iguana?

I can deal with it, I just want to know what my chances are statistically speaking.

I was handling the iguana no problem until I read about the biting and tail whipping, and for some reason now when I go to pick him up he tail whips me.  I think he can feel my fear.

Thanks,
Amanda

Answer
Hello Amanda, they can definately sense fear and they know if you are nervous, it makes them nervous as well. It is more common that a male Iguana will be agressive rather then a female. It is also more common that during the mating season they will be more agressive.

http://www.greenigsociety.org/freeroam.htm

That link will help you a lot when it comes to handling and letting him/her roam about with minimum problems.

Here is a link on agression.
http://www.greenigsociety.org/freeroam.htm

I do not know statistically what the chances of being bitten are but I do know that with a male the chance is higher, with either gender during mating season is much higher, and a male in mating season can be extremely dangerous.

More info:
http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/breedingaggression.html

Best of luck,
Yexalen