Lizards on Your Shoulder: What to Do and What Not to Fear

Lizards can be oddly common in urban and suburban areas, especially in warm climates. While the idea of a lizard on your shoulder might seem terrifying at first, these small creatures are generally harmless and have a much greater fear of you than you might think.

Types of Lizards

There are several types of lizards that might fall on your shoulder, each with its own level of danger and what you should do if encountered. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle different types of lizards when they fall on your right shoulder:

Common Lizards (Geckos, Anoles)

Most common lizards, like geckos and anoles, are not aggressive and are unlikely to bite or harm you if you are calm. If one lands on your shoulder, the best course of action is to stay calm and observe the lizard. It is likely to be more scared of you than you are of it. Encourage it to climb onto your hand or onto a nearby surface using a piece of paper or a stick. Once it has climbed away, wash your hands and let the lizard go on its way.

Non-Venomous Lizards (Iguanas)

Iguanas can be more challenging to deal with. If an iguana falls on your shoulder, it might have sharp claws that can cause harm if it is agitated. The best course of action is to stay calm and gently remove the lizard. However, if the lizard is too agitated, it might try to flee elsewhere on your body or even try to enter your shirt. If this happens, remain calm and guide the lizard back to the ground. If you are unable to safely remove the lizard, call an animal control service to handle the situation.

Venomous Lizards (Gila Monster)

Encountering a Gila monster, which is venomous and aggressive, on your shoulder is a rare but serious situation. If a Gila monster falls on you, do not move and wait for it to decide to move. Freeze in place to avoid provoking the lizard further. Call animal control immediately to have them handle the situation safely, as they have the proper equipment and expertise.

Exotic Lizards (Komodo Dragon, Other Large Species)

While extremely rare, a large lizard like a Komodo dragon encountering you on your shoulder would be a life-threatening situation. If an 80-pound lizard falls on you, it could be fatal. In this case, do not attempt to handle the lizard yourself. Instead, call animal control and have them come to safely remove the lizard. It is important to understand that a lizard of this size should not be found near residential areas, so investigate how it got there as well.

General Precautions

In general, lizards are harmless and most species that might land on your shoulder are not dangerous. However, there are a few key precautions to take:

Stay Calm: Lizards are more likely to be frightened than to bite or otherwise harm you. Your fear could panic the lizard, making it more likely to flee or bite. Observe: Once the lizard has landed, take a moment to observe it. This can help you determine if it is a species that poses a risk. Gently Remove It: Use a piece of paper or a stick to gently encourage the lizard to climb onto your hand and walk it away or set it on a nearby surface. Wash Your Hands: After handling the lizard, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any potential infections from its bacteria. Consider the Environment: If the lizard is in a place that might be harmful to it, guide it back outside or to a safer area.

Remember, encountering a lizard on your shoulder is a surprising but usually harmless experience. By staying calm and following these simple steps, you can safely and humanely handle this situation.