Young Nile Monitors, like this one, are attractive little animals. Unfortunately, they are a lizard that is extremely difficult to manage. Nile monitors are incredibly nervous animals and they grow to a length of between 1.5 - 1.8 meters. Their claws, tail, and teeth are all used quite effectively for defense when threatened. Even a subadult can inflict a painful bite that can cause severe damage to ones hand or arm. Only those with a great deal of time, experience and space should ever even consider getting one of these animals. After considering it seriously, most would decide not to get one! (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)