Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have got to know how the $#@@ you guys safely handle them when it is necessary? Is it the behind the head grip like a young crocodilian? If so how do you get your hand close enough if it's not possible to come straight down from above?

These are actually very easy animals to work with as long as:

1) You give them the respect they deserve
2) Stay focused
3) Use proper technique and KNOW THAT PARTICULAR animal's tendencies. When I have to handle them, I typically just quickly "grab" (gently of course) the animal slightly behind the head and approach from above or slightly above. Depending on the alertness of the lizard, I may use my other hand to distract him a bit. Using thick gauntlet style gloves is always recommended (www.tongs.com has some real nice ones). Some folks even use their gentle giant tongs to move them when needed; even better although I haven't tried it. Anytime you can minimize direct contact, the better. Since I use our resident gila monsters for many education programs, they have become very docile but we still give them the respect they deserve. Hope this helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>I have got to know how the $#@@ you guys safely handle them when it is necessary? Is it the behind the head grip like a young crocodilian? If so how do you get your hand close enough if it's not possible to come straight down from above?
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

When you must get in and clean their mess you need to..

1) make sure you have plenty of space to move your hands and arms for the right angle

2) gently touch them on the head with a snake hook so they are not paying attention to the hand behind them

3) gently and quickly grab them behind the head with the gauntlet glove

But I am not pro at working with these animals...just someone lucky enough to have done it