As we all know, most pet stores will be happy to inform you that iguanas are simple to care for and make excellent pets for children. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The number one cause of death of green iguanas in captivity is the owner's lack of knowledge. Even veterinarians are still learning about iguana care. Owning a healthy exotic pet means that the owner will be required to research.

Mom and I have been frequently told that we iguanas have no teeth. I would like to see these people try to eat leaves with no teeth. That would be a sight. My choppers may not be easy to see, but they can produce one of the worst reptile bites. Even little Woodstock can draw blood. Felix has the most powerful set of teeth in the house. He crunched down on my dad's finger and bit to the bone. It took 13 stitches to close the wound. Some adult males have been known to remove fingers. Do you still believe that we don't have teeth?

There are some iguanas that are friendly all of their life, but usually iguanas are unpredictable. As we age, the agressiveness increases. Think of us as becoming teenagers with razor sharp teeth and a large tail. Breeding season and hormonal changes tends to bring out the agressive behavior. We really need an adult to care for us.