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     There are a few methods for picking up and handling an Anole.  I'll mainly discuss the safest methods.

The "Bare Hands" Method

     The fastest and easiest way to handle an Anole is to use your bare hands.  It's pretty self-explanatory, however there are right and wrong ways to do it.  The best way is to quietly lower your hand into the enclosure.  Then, swiftly but gently grasp the Anole behind the head between your thumb and index finger.  Wrap your other three fingers around the lizard's body to support it.  As you'll find out, it isn't nearly as easy as it sounds.  We discussed earlier in this section that Anoles don't like to be touched.  Well, they also don't like being chased around their cage by an enormous hand.  They will run from you.  Don't frantically chase the lizard around with your hand.  Try a few times, and if you fail, stop for a few minutes.  Then try again.

The "Lure"

     In some cases, this variation of the "Bare Hands" method may be easier than plain bare hands.  It basically involves placing a cricket or mealworm in your hand, and waiting for the Anole to take the bait.  When it jumps into your hand to grab the insect, close your hand gently, trying not to grab the tail.  You may need to try this several times before you are successful.

The "Container"

     A variation of the "Lure" method, instead of using your hand, you use a plastic container and lid.  Place a cricket in the conainer and lower it into the cage.  Wait for the Anole to jump into the container to get the bait, and then quickly and gently lower the lid onto it.  Be careful of the Anole's tail!  This method best works with a non-clear container, so the Anole can only see the insect from above.  I've noticed when using clear containers that the Anole will try to come from the side to get the cricket, and, well, we all know how that works out.


     In many older books, you'll notice the Authors suggest "noosing" as a method of capturing an Anole.  I strongly discourage this method.  It involves tying a slipknot in a string, slipping the loop around the lizard's neck, and pulling the string tight.  Although easy, it's unsafe, and just wrong.


Don't ...grab an Anole by the tail.
Don't ...jerk your hand away when being bitten.
Don't ...chase the Anole for long periods of time.
Don't ..."noose."