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To who ever knows about monitor lizards2007-11-24 2:03:12

Are ther any monitor lizards that do not grow very big or do not bite?

Answers:

Savannah monitors are considered to be fairly small and tame. But your best bet would be an "Ackie" monitor (Varanus acanthurus. They stay very small and are relatively easy to care for. As with any monitor, no matter the size or supposed temperment, it will only be as "tame" as you make it. You need to handle it regularly and properly, and avoid feeding it live food that will only fuel it's hunting instincts. (I hate when people will get one, throw a live mouse at it once a week and never touch it, then wonder why they have a supper agressive 4 foot lizard on their hands.)

Here's a decent Ackie care sheet:

http://www.proexotics.com/care_ackie.htm.

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they remind me of george bush, they'll "monitor" your calls.

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Even though reports abound concerning "tame" monitors (usually in reference to the Savannah monitor), the fact is that all carnivores are capible biters--that's what feeds them. Monitors possess a basic intellect, as do most reptiles, and will often learn to tell human from prey so long as they aren't hungry at that given moment. Once hungry, nearly all that I've worked with (and I've worked with several hundred over the years) develop "tunnel vision" and "one-track-minds." Movement excites them, hunger motivates them. and they attack. A monitor that's been handled frequently soon learns that handling isn't a setup to be eaten, so they can appear relatively calm. But a high level of respect must always be paid to their ability to inflict sudden and severe bites. Monitors and Tegus make very poor choices for people who are concerned about either size or temperment.