Why Are Horned Lizards Illegal as Pets?

Horned lizards look as though they would make great exotic pets. It's true that some people enjoy them, but most find them to be dull pets. However, that is a non-issue in most states because they are illegal to own. Some states are very aggressive in enforcing those laws and impose fines up to $1000 and a year in jail. But first, more about the creature.

As the first name mentioned implies, it is a lizard. They are known by other names, which are all technically incorrect: horned or horny toads, and horned frogs. They got those monikers because their body is somewhat round like a toad, and they have a stubby snout. The horned part of the name comes from the horns on their heads.

In addition to horns, they have spikes that run down their sides and back. Their colors generally match their environment, which is typically desert sand. Dim shades of burgundy, gray, orange, tan or other dull colors may decorate their skin. They usually grow to be 3-5 inches, but in some regions, they may grow to eight inches.

The Endangered Horned Lizard

Most states have listed them as endangered and/or protected. They are illegal in most of those states, and even bothering them in the wild can land someone a hefty fine. Not all species are listed as endangered, but those that are include the Texas horny toad of that state, and the flat-tailed horned lizard of Arizona and California, among others. Some states allow ownership if the animals are bred in captivity, and some allow people with a hunting license or a commercial trade permit to collect them.

The reason they are endangered has more to do with collecting them, though. It is due to the expansion of residential areas, which decreases the lizards' own territory. Additionally, agricultural growth and the related use of chemicals such as pesticides and weed killers takes its toll on them. Some authorities say their demise is also due to predators and fire ants, but that is natural and it likely has little to do with it.

Don't be disappointed if your state has a ban on ownership of horny toads as exotic pets: They are interesting to look at, but they do very little but sit and wait for you to feed them some fire ants. By the way, if you find a way to own one of these lizards, you will probably have to mail order those ants. They also won't drink water out of a dish, so you have to take the time to drip it on the reptile's nose. Your best bet is probably a gecko, which has a lot more personality.