Ed, like any mammal,bird or reptile their is a rule of common sense, if young varanids are handled regularly they will get to know you, their surroundings, your scent and feel more comfortable and relaxed, this applies to a common pet as well [a dog]. Walk up to a dog that doesn't know you and see how cautious they are, and after getting to know you they get relaxed around you use to your scents and all is well. Same rule applies to monitors. My experience with V. Reisingeri is based on 4 WC specimens that were at my table in an enclosure at the Hamburg show. These 4 were very docile but under the wrong circumstances would not have been. Its all about understanding the animal be it reptile or mammal or bird. I had a kordensis hatchling that would crawl up my arm and have seen CB GTM that do the same thing as adults. There are always exceptions to the rules and they are dictated by common sense. This pair of tree monitors consists of a WC GTM and a CB farmed in Indo Kordensis female I once had, the male was very flighty and aggressive, the female would climb up my arm, proof enogh for me and I didnt handle her much either. There can be no generalization on this topic and you will get different answers from everyone you speak to.

Good luck, Bob

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