I have never owned a monitor, but love exotics and have many lizards and reptiles. I came across a gorgeous male Nile Monitor and I just had to have him. The people at the pet shop were very knowledgable of all their animals and he was played with and handled daily without incident. He's 6 months old and I have had my little guy, Jefferson, for two months now. He never hisses or bites or even attempts to bite. He loves coming out of his cage and riding along on my head or shoulders. He's an absolute joy--I can not even begin to see this little guy being the monster that 98% of Nile owners talk about. I have not read one positive comment or story about a Nile, everyone makes them out to be horrible monsters. Do you think perhaps my Nile was born in captivity and handled every single day this has made him more socialable? I have no problems what so ever with him, he's friendly and loves people and even our other animals... I'd like to talk with someone who has had a good experience with Niles and can tell me more than how evil they are or how they'll bite off fingers. I know my little Jefferson will get much much bigger, does their temperment change with age/growth?--Marie