Lizards exist all over the world, but often only briefly appear before they disappear into hiding! Luckily, you can now use the methods below to outsmart and catch the lizard before you get too close and make the lizard run. Like other wild animals, lizards should not be kept as pets without thorough preparation and research into the laws and permits in your area. Once you've caught the lizard, show it to your friends, take a photo or sketch it, then return it to the wild.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Setting Up Traps
Step 1. Learn about the lizards in your area
Try researching the behavior of local lizards before you set a trap, so you know if they are active and what type of bait and trap location will work. A reptile identification guide or a website for your area may contain useful information. You can also keep an eye on the lizards' behavior in your home or yard as they congregate.
If you don't find the information useful, follow the general instructions in this section
Step 2. Set up a box for temporary or permanent residence
A sturdy container with a strong odor can be used as a lizard trap. If you want to keep lizards permanently, do some research beforehand to find a suitable housing for the lizard species in your area. For a temporary catch, just make your box a little more comfortable for the lizards by inserting leaves and clumps at the bottom. This will also make the trap less suspicious of lizards.
- If you plan to keep lizards permanently, find out about the laws and permits in your area before you start.
- If you're not sure how to build a lizard dwelling, look up the vivarium in your local phone book. The staff will be able to give you directions.
Step 3. Cover the box with plastic and make slices
Pull the plastic to wrap around the entire box, tape to the sides. Make enough slices for the lizard to fall into the center of the box.
If you're not sure how big a lizard is in your area, just cut it about 15 cm long
Step 4. Place the trap in a good place
If you see an active lizard in one area, place a box there. Or look at places where insects congregate, such as near a light source at night. Hidden spots in your yard such as coral walls or bushes are also good choices.
Step 5. Feed
Many lizards eat insects, but because there are so many types of lizards it's a good idea to do some lizard food research in your area. Or just use crickets, moths, flies, or other small insects that are small enough for the lizard to eat. Keep in mind that some lizards don't like dead insects, but live bait may be impractical and difficult to keep in one place.
If the bait is light enough, place it on the plastic near the hole
Step 6. Check for traps regularly
You probably won't be catching a lizard for a few days or longer, so don't give up if you don't get one right away. Check at least two or three times a day, so that trapped lizards don't starve to death. Change live bait after death, or dead bait every day or two to keep it fresh.
When you give up, remove the box and throw it away so the animal doesn't fall into it
Method 2 of 2: Using the Lizard "Fish"
Step 1. Use this method for small lizards only
This method involves constructing a "fish line" to catch lizards. Surprisingly, this is a technique that biologists have used successfully. However, since catching it requires you to free the snare from the struggling lizard, it's best not to try to catch a large, sharp-toothed lizard without experience and wear protective clothing.
Step 2. Find a long stick
Find a stick or other long object that is at least 90 cm long. You can use a fishing rod if you have one, but you can also use a material that's softer than fishing line, as pictured below.
Step 3. Glue a long dental floss on the stick
Cut the dental floss at least as long as the stick. Tie one end to one end of the stick. If you don't have floss, you can use another soft rope, such as a strong long grass to catch small lizards. Fishing rods are not recommended for use by lizard catchers because sharp fishing lines can injure the lizards.
Step 4. Tie the other end into a loose knot
Form a loop at the loose end of the floss. Hold the floss next to the circle near the stick, and create a new circle by moving your finger down and through the first circle. Keep pulling until the first loop is tight. Now you have a "fishing line" with a noose at the end.
The snare must be large enough for the lizard's head
Step 5. Look for lizards where possible
Lizards can be found where insects congregate, such as compost piles. If you don't see lizards running around or basking in the sun, they may be hiding under planks, in piles of firewood, or similar hiding places.
If you can find a type of lizard that lives in your area, you can do some behavioral research online or from a wildlife guide for better information on where to find the lizard
Step 6. Try to find the lizard under the light at night
If you can't find lizards during the day, you may have better luck finding species that are nocturnal. The nocturnal lizards are often found hunting for insects, which congregate under patio lamps, window lamps, and other light sources.
Step 7. Approach the lizard slowly from the front or side
Surprisingly this technique works better when the lizard can see you, as the lizard will focus on you approaching rather than on the snare. Move slowly and come closer to reach the snare. Sudden movements can make the lizard run and hide.
Step 8. Gently attach the noose to the lizard's head
Some species and species react quickly to the snare, while others remain silent when the snare catches it. Once you've found the second type, or have practiced your trapping skills, tie the neck. The weight of the lizard itself will tighten loose knots as the lizard moves, so that the lizard cannot escape.
Step 9. Slowly release the noose
Catch the lizard slowly but firmly on its back, not on its tail, hands or feet, or head. Pull the noose in slow, short motions.
Step 10. Don't permanently hold the lizard unless you're ready
Keeping a permanent lizard requires suitable housing for the lizard, researching how to keep the animal, and getting a permit (if wild lizards are legal in your area). In most cases, it is recommended to hold the lizard for no more than a few hours. After and checking or sketching it, release it as close as possible from where it was captured.
Tips
- Hold the lizard slowly but firmly against its body. Many lizards can separate their limbs (especially dropping their tails) to escape.
- Be careful when handling lizards. Some types of lizards are fragile and easily injured.
- Note that some lizards are rare and reserved. These are probably especially popular lizards in the pet market such as some types of chameleons. If you're not sure, look for organizations or agencies involved in protecting or managing wildlife. Sometimes there are permits that must be applied for to capture, possess or export, and this is not always difficult to manage.
- You can make a lizard-catching net with cheesecloth sewn onto the wire frame of the hanger. But the faster types of lizards will be very difficult to catch with nets.
Warning
- Some lizards bite. Some are highly toxic, or venomous, so know your prey and be aware of the dangerous ones.
- Don't reach into the hole looking for a lizard. You may encounter dangerous animals such as spiders, snakes or venomous scorpions.
