Yes, Leopard Geckos can bite but it is uncommon and they will usually only bite when feeling threatened or agitated.
Why Do Leopard Geckos Bite?
Generally, a Leopard Gecko will only bite if it feels threatened or if it mistakes you for food.
If you are feeding your Leo by hand, or you’ve been handling its food and the scent is still on your fingers, it may attempt to chomp on you because it thinks you are part of the menu!
Otherwise, you’re probably safe unless your gecko is already feeling agitated or you spook it and it thinks it’s under attack.
Leopard Geckos are well known for their friendly nature but, like all animals, if they feel cornered and think it’s under threat they could turn aggressive and may even try to bite you as a defense mechanism.
Even this is unlikely though as Leopard Geckos are rarely aggressive against humans. If your gecko thinks you are trying to eat it then it’s much more likely to try and get away from you than stand and fight!
Does a Leopard Gecko Bite Hurt?
No. A bite from a Leopard Gecko doesn’t hurt and will probably, at most, be a bit of a shock.
A bite from a Leopard Gecko will almost never draw blood and, if you aren’t paying attention, it’s questionable whether you would even notice that you’ve been bitten.
Are Leopard Gecko Bites Dangerous?
No, not at all. Leopard Geckos are non-venomous and they have tiny teeth (albeit they have around 100 of the things).
This, coupled with the fact that they don’t have a powerful bite and would much rather run away and hide than attack means that Leopard Geckos are among the safest pets you can own.
How To Stop A Leopard Gecko From Biting You?
The best way to stop your Leo from biting you is to pay attention to any warning signs it’s giving you.
If your gecko is hissing, wagging its tail, or screaming then it’s telling you it’s feeling agitated and you should steer clear until it’s calmed down.
Even when your gecko has calmed down, approach it again slowly, keeping an eye out for any signs it is still feeling distressed.
If there are no warning signs before your gecko bites you, then you probably scare it and it’s just defending itself from a perceived threat.
Try to approach your gecko slowly and reach for it from the front or side, never from above.
If you are calm and gentle, your gecko will be too.
