Help! Green Anole in the bathroom!?

Question

So my roommate came back from Florida with some boxes of leatherleaf fern. She put the boxes in the bathroom. Well, when she opened one of them up, a Green Anole sprung out of the box. We live in the mountains of NC where it is VERY cold right now. What exactly should I do with this lizard?? I know if I set him free, he will probably die with the cold weather.

Answer 1

He will absolutely die if you set him free. They are not meant for that weather.

Are you looking at how to keep him? It's a fairly basic set-up, but will put you back a decent amount of money to start it. If you don't want him, you could try taking him to a pet store (call first), or to a friend's house if you have a friend who keeps lizards, snakes, or turtles (they might be better prepared). A little brother might appreciate a new pet, but you shoudl probably pay for the set up if you do that!

Here's some basic info about their care, as well as some great websites with additional information:

HOUSING

- Anoles can be housed in a fairly small tank - a 10 gallon is sufficient for a single anole, or perhaps a pair. A secure fitted lid is necessary.

- Substrate/furnishings: A substrate of peat moss and soil with or without a layer of bark (e.g. orchid bark) is an ideal substrate for anoles. Live plants help maintain humidity and provide cover - try Sansevierias (snake plants), bromeliads, philodendrons, ivy, orchids and vines. Pieces of bark and branches should also be provided for climbing and basking.

- Temperature: during the day, provide a gradient from 75-80 F (24-27 C) with a basking spot of 85-90 F (29-32 C). A combination of under tank heating and a basking light on one side of the tank works well. Make sure the appropriate temperature gradient is provided by measuring temperatures in various spots around the tank. Night temperature can drop to a gradient of 65-75 F (18-24 C). Do not use basking lights to achieve night time temperatures - use heating pads and/or ceramic heating elements.

- Light: in addition to the incandescent basking light, provide a full spectrum UVA/UVB light for 10-12 hours per day.

- Water and Humidity: a humidity level of 60-70% is necessary for anoles. This can usually be achieved by misting the inside of the tank daily. It is a good idea to measure the humidity level to make sure it is adequate for anoles. Misting systems are available although they are quite expensive. If you are having a hard time maintaining the humidity level, try covering part of the top of the tank and/or increasing the number of live plants. Misting also provides drinking water for the anoles as they often will not drink from a bowl (they will lick droplets of water off the misted plants).

FEEDING

- Anoles are insectivores and are generally good eaters.

- While crickets can be the main part of the diet, it is best to feed a variety of insects. Wild caught insects can be offered as well, if pesticide free.

- Crickets must be gut loaded with nutritious food prior to feeding (your pet store will know about this).

- Feed appropriate sized prey items - about 1/2 the size of the anole's head is a good guideline.

- Can usually feed every other day, and 2-3 appropriately sized items per feeding.

- Crickets and other prey should be dusted with a quality vitamin/mineral supplement.

Additional information:
http://www.kingsnake.com/anolecare/
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanolecare.htm
http://www.centralpets.com/php/search/storiesdisplay.php?Story=269

Answer 2

Green Anoles are very cool. I have three of them in a 20 gallon terrerium. They are not beginner reptiles however. They do require intermediate care so if you are not ready for that kind of commitment you should contact the local pet store or herp society. If you do decide to keep him/her you need to spend between $150 - $200 for a stocked terrerium. This includes, terrium, screen lid, heat lamp, UV lamp, heat pad, substrate, live plants and a stick for them to climb on. I have a hard time keeping house plants but I haven't had a problem keeping them in a terrerium. It looks very natural and I think my anoles are happy. My anoles will only eat crickets or mealworms. Don't let your anole roam free in the house. It will get lost and you will find it's dried up body behind the refrigerator or worse.

Answer 3

Haha My brother and I used to raise thoes lil buggers! It really all depends on the personality of your lizard as to how well they will tolerate being held. Ive had ones who were prefectly fine being handled, ones who bite (doesnt hurt and is actually funny) and ones who will do just about anything to get away. My suggestion would be to wash your hands before AND after handling the lizard obviously. First just try holding it while your hand is still inside the cage. If that goes well you can take it out but make sure you arent holding the lizard too high above anything because if it happens to get away and you drop it it could die. If it seems like its getting too stressed out put it back in the cage and wait till the next day to try again. Remember though, it could take a long time for it to be comfortable being held and you may never actually be able to hold it for long periods of time either. Just be patient. Good luck.

Answer 4

that's funny! i'm having these visuals of that scene where the lizard jumps out and i can't help but chuckle. the previous answer decribed the care of an anole pretty thoroughly. however, if you're intimidated by it and just want to give it away, try going to your nearest pet store and try asking if they'll just take the poor guy off your hands.

Answer 5

Keep him.