As we enter the Lunar Year of the Dragon, perhaps you or your child are wondering - can I have a PET dragon? In a way, yes you can! There are two animals known as "dragons," the Bearded Dragon and the Komodo Dragon. The latter isn't suitable for anyone but a zoo or wildlife preserve to own, as they are very large with potentially fatal venomous bites. They are in fact the largest living lizard in the world, typically weighing over 150lbs and reaching 8-10ft in length. You can read more about their diet, lifestyle, and natural history at this link from the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, can make wonderful pets for the right household. They are usually quite personable, smaller in size, easy to handle, and don't require a high level of care. They will need a proper-sized enclosure (at least 4x2x2ft recommended) with basking lamps + nighttime heat, and their diet should contain a variety of vegetables and insect or rodent-based protein. They typically love to eat mealworms, crickets, roaches, and other creepy crawlies. Yum! With their needs met, you should have a loyal and fun little friend for up to 10 years.
We have many books on these animals at the library, including the following selected titles:
Bearded Dragons and Komodo Dragons for SCCLD Blog.
