Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I really need some help. I recently got a Argentine B&W and I've been slowly trying to get him used to me. I thought I was having progress until today when I found he had broken out of his tank. I caught him with a towel and wrapped him up. I put him in the bathroom to crawl around while I cleaned up his tank and the mess. When I went to pick him up with the towel in the bathroom, he hissed and arched himself at me. If he was trying to intimidate me, he did a VERY good job. He's not a little Tegu either, he's almost 3 feet. It's a couple hours later and he's still trying to break out of his tank, I had to put rocks on top and duct tape every corner to keep him in. I'm scared to put my had in there now because he never did this before, and it's been a few months. I don't want to give him up, but I don't want to have a 4 foot creature that is afraid of me and I'm afraid of him. What can I do, is there anyone on Long Island in New York that maybe I could take him to for help? I don't know what to do

One question is how long have you had him? This could be prior learning or not being handled by his previous owner.
This response is most likely caused by him being frightened being out of his home (even though he want out in the first place), chilled by being out, plus became spooked even greater when you found him. If you were able to handle him before with no problems.....great. Go back by placing your hand in his tank at ground level (very important!) If your hand is above him, he may become further scared thinking your hand is a large bird or another critter wanting to eat him. Let him lead by observing if he hisses, etc. He may need to be retrained. If you can pet him with only minor hissing, etc. take him out and hold him firmly, attempting to hold him against your body helps, wit his body supported fully. Tegus need to feel their body wt is supported. Then attmetp to pet him right behind his ears/neck region, this usually calms them down. I have also found that most males and some females love the base of their tails rubbed (on top) between their pelvic bones. This also soothes him. See what his response is to this. Do not make any sudden, jerky movements with him right now!

Good luck!!!

Greg