Often people want to get a new pet for the first time, but a dog or cat is sometimes too much to handle. So look no further than the leopard gecko: the best reptile pet for beginners. I bet you’re wondering “how do I take care of a reptile”. No need to worry about that, the SDHS have created a leopard gecko care guide just for you. Under this text you will learn about leopard gecko natural history, enclosure necessities, diet, hydration, nutrition, and handling. But before we start, it is important to keep in mind the number 1 tip for getting a new pet: Do your research. You want your gecko to have a fulfilling life, so seeking out the best sources is gonna be essential for reptile care. It is also important to think about the long term details. Who will be the caretaker? How long does a gecko live and other questions like that. We will help guide you.  

Natural History

These fat tailed geckos inhabit areas such as Afghanistan, Punjab India, and the Salt Mountain range of Pakistan. Specifically they hide in tiny crevices and holes in the ground/gravel. When they are out of their hiding places they hunt for insects on the mudflats of Pakistan. Leopard geckos will try to avoid deserts and prefer more humid areas close to the shore or rainforests, but they are still found in arid areas. When found they are often together in colonies of geckos under the ground. Most leopard geckos live on the Potohar Plateau. This is because it ranges from 22-24 degrees C and the humidity is 30-40% which is favored by leopard geckos

 

Size, Age and Weight

Leopard geckos have a pretty distinct shape among lizards. They come in many different colors, but most of them will have their signature leopard print bodies. These geckos can live to 15 years of age but they can become fully grown in one year. Here are their size and weight ratios throughout their lifetime.

• 0-2 months old: 1.5-2 inches long, 2-5 grams 

• 2-7 months old: 5 inches long, 15-20 grams

• 7-12 months old: 6-7 inches long, 30-40 grams

• 12+ months old: 7-10 inches long, 50+ grams

After 12 months the leopard gecko will stay relatively the same weight and size with proper care.

Handling 

Rule number 1 for handling leopard geckos, DO NOT pick them up by the tail. Their tails can detach if they are picked up like that. Geckos store nutrients in their tails and it really hurts when they detach their tails. 

So how do you handle a leopard gecko? The best thing to do is let the gecko come to you rather than forcefully picking it up. Although if your gecko is used to being held then you can pick it up by the belly and support its body weight, legs, and arms. 

Enclosure 

Since leopard geckos are relatively small they will not need as big as a tank compared to a bearded dragon or ball python. But there are requirements on how large the tank should be. It should be 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and high, although larger is better. In other words the tank should be at least 10 gallons to begin with, then move up to 20-40 gallons. The substrate of the tank should be paper towels, or a mix of soil and sand; avoid sand because of digestive issues.  

Heating/lighting

Almost all reptiles need heat to survive since most of them are cold blooded. So you leopard gecko is gonna need that heat. There should be 2 of your enclosures. One side should be 80-90 degrees F and the other cooler side should be 75-80 degrees F. The main source of heat should be a heat pad on the warmer side of the tank. Leopard geckos prefer the under belly heat, but heat lamps are also suitable for geckos. Avoid heat rock as this could burn the animal. Additionally a UVB lamp is optional but it is beneficial for calcium absorption. 

Hiding Places

Geckos naturally like to hide and feel safe, so it would be essential to provide hiding places for your gecko. For every gecko there should be at least 3 different hiding places. 1 should be on the cooler side, the other should be on the warmer side, then the 3rd can be placed wherever. Additionally find foliage for the gecko tank to create a more natural environment. The cool side of the tank can also be a humid side which can have a paper towel, or Vermiculite.     

Diet 

Diet and hydration are extremely important to the health of leopard geckos. The main cause of gecko deaths is the lack of proper food and water. Leopard geckos are primarily insectivorous meaning they only eat insects and other invertebrates. Good food to feed your gecko includes crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Although you need to take care of the insects as much as your gecko. 

To maximize nutritional value you need to gut load your insects (nutritional feeding and hydrating your insects) and dust them with calcium. You can dust the insects by putting them in a bag then putting a bit of calcium in the bag then shaking it up. Remember to use sponges or wet cotton balls for crickets because they will drown in still water. Do not gut load your insects with cricket cubes because they have no nutritional value. Do not just feed your gecko mealworms, because this can lead to health issues. Feeding your gecko a variety of insects is essential. 

Hydration

Provide your gecko with fresh filtered water everyday. You need a shallow water bowl for your gecko to sip from and clean it daily. 

Call to Action 

References

• Graf, Alex. “Python Regius (Ball Python, Royal Python).” Animal Diversity Web, 2011, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_regius/.

• Boyer,DVM,DABVP-Reptiles, Thomas H. “Dr. Boyer the Reptile and Amphibian Vet - Pet Hospital of Peñasquitos - San Diego, CA.” Pethospitalpq.com, 2025, www.pethospitalpq.com/dr-boyer-veterinary-specialisthe-reptile-and-amphibian-vet.pml. Accessed 27 May 2025.

• “How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live?” Www.petmd.com, www.petmd.com/reptile/how-long-do-leopard-geckos-live.

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Rattlesnakes are very often misunderstood. Sometimes they are seen as heartless creatures that will attack humans. This is absolutely not true. Rattlesnakes are very unique reptiles that don’t want to be bothered and play a very important part in the ecosystem which has major benefits throughout the entire food chain, even for humans. While rattlesnakes are venomous they will not bite you intentionally. In fact that’s why they have their rattle, to warn people of their presence so that you don’t get hurt and they don’t get hurt. We have put together useful information to help you learn about the importance of these amazing animals and be able to identify them to help gain a better understanding of their behavior and steps you can take if you encounter one near your home or in the wild. Below you can learn about TRUTH about these snakes and see some examples of rattlesnakes that live in San Diego. 

The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake              

Rattlesnakes are abundant in southern California, they even live right here in San Diego. One specific example is the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake or the Crotalus helleri. They are the only rattlesnake found at Cabrillo national monument. They are also found in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Mexico. Their habitats include grasslands, rocky deserts, and agricultural fields.  

What do they Look Like?

Rattlesnakes have a very distinctive shape and are fairly easy to identify. The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is 24 to 55 inches in length and is a variety of browns with a lighter shade of hexagonal shapes on its back. Unlike other non-rattlesnakes it has a large triangular head with vertical eyes and a rattle at the end of its tail.

Is it venomous?

Yes, South pacific rattlesnakes are dangerously venomous, but as mentioned before, they do not intentionally bite humans. They mainly hunt for small rodents and sometimes rabbits. Later on we’ll explain more about what to do if you see one in the wild. 

Importance of southern pacific rattlesnakes

Even though it might not seem like it, rattlesnakes are very important to the environment. They help control the rodent population, ensuring the balance of the ecosystem, and prevents the spread of diseases. Rattlesnakes on average consume 21 rodents per year, eating 25% of the rodent population in their respective area. 

The Red Diamond RattleSnake

Another snake found very close to San Diego is the Red Diamond rattlesnake or the Crotalus ruber. Out of all the snakes on this page

This is one of the easiest to identify due to its distinctive red scales. They are a species of pit viper found in Southwestern California, Baja California, and Mexico. They live in a mostly coastal zone, in the mountains, and in the desert. Like all rattlesnake species they are venomous, but has one of the least potent venom, but still needs medical treatment    

What do they look like?

C. ruber can grow to 55 inches in length but the largest ever recorded was 64 inches. As said before they are very red all over the body with orange and white stripes going down along their back.  

What do they eat?

C. ruber, like all rattlesnakes, will eat small mammals like mice and rabbits. When they hunt, they ambush the small rodents with a sudden strike and venom, then the snake swallows the prey whole. This specific species of rattlesnake uses heat sensors on the side of its head to sense prey.     

Importance of Red Diamonds

As predators of their ecosystem, red diamonds control the rodent population much like other rattlesnakes. This can have positive impacts on other species and plant life. Red diamonds are considered a species of special concern meaning they are legally protected to ensure their survival because of their status of high risk. Here is a link to learn more.   

The Speckled RattleSnake

The speckled rattlesnake or the Crotalus mitchellii is one of the smaller species found in San Diego. It was named in honor of Silas Weir Mitchell, an American medical doctor studying rattlesnake venom. They are found in northwestern Mexico, southern California, Nevada, Utah, and western Arizona. They prefer rocky areas like deserts, and chaparral ecosystems. Like most rattlesnakes, C. mitchelli is primarily nocturnal.  

What do they look like?

This snake does not grow past 39 inches, including the rattle. They are one of the smaller rattlesnakes in San Diego. This species is known for its intense variation of color patterns that ranges from orange, to red, pink, yellow, and light blue.   

What do they eat?

Just like other rattlesnakes, Speckled rattlesnakes will eat small mammals, lizards, and birds.

Importance of Speckled 

These rattlesnakes will consume rodents that carry seeds. When the snake eats the rodent the seed remains intact in the stomach. Then when the snake defecates it will spread the seeds over long distances.   

What to do if you Encounter a Rattlesnake

Encountering a rattlesnake is a very lucky find, but to some people it may be terrifying. If you are one of these people who are scared of rattlesnakes, there's really nothing to worry about. Here's what you need to know in order to keep yourself and the snake safe.

Most people think that rattlesnakes want to bite you and that they are highly aggressive. This is not true, no rattlesnake is aggressive. Rattlesnakes will always try to avoid any conflict with humans and survive without stress.   

Usually before you see a rattlesnake you will definitely hear it. When you do see the snake it might be standing tall and shaking its rattle but this is not aggression. This is a warning saying that the snake is there and it doesn’t want to be bothered. Us humans are too big for rattlesnakes so they have no reason to attack us. If rattlesnakes were aggressive however, then we wouldn’t be able to go on hikes.   

Then why do they bite us? As said before they do not do this intentionally, they are defending themselves. They don’t know if you are a threat or not so they defend themselves if you get too close. 

So here's some guidelines on what to do when you see a rattlesnake 

• Usually you’ll hear the rattle sound before you see it so try to locate the snake

• make sure to stay at least 10 feet away. DO NOT touch the snake. 

• Do not try to kill the snake because that raises the chances of the snake biting you and it is illegal to kill the red diamond rattlesnake.  

• Always keep your dog on a leash so that it doesn’t get bit

Conclusion

Rattlesnakes live in San Diego and are not out to get you. They are animals just like you and every other animal on the planet. They play an important role in the food web by keeping the rodent population down while also serving as food for larger birds of prey. Without rattlesnakes the balance of the food chain would break since they are such a vital part of it. Rattlesnakes deserve our respect, but you can still observe these unique reptiles from a safe distance. 

 

Frequently asked questions

What are rattlesnake tails made of?

Rattlesnake tails are made of interconnecting hollow segments made of keratin. These are also known as rattles which are loosely connected. This material is the same thing that your nails are made of. 

How old can rattlesnakes live?

Despite their small size the rattlesnake can live up to 10 to 25 years old. In rare cases they can live to 30 years old. 

What is the largest rattlesnake in the world?

The eastern diamond rattlesnake (Cortalus adamanteus) is the largest rattlesnake in the world. It can grow to 7-10 feet in length and weigh 34 pounds. Along with its largest size it has one of the most dangerous venoms in the United states. This snake however is not in San Diego, but lives in areas of North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. Its habitats include dry pine forests, salt marshes, and flatwoods. In these areas it likes to steal the borrows made by gophers and gopher tortoises.

Are rattlesnakes the top predator in their area?

To put it simply, no. Rattlesnakes play an important role in the middle of the food chain by eating rodents. They are, however, eaten by other larger species such as the badger, eagles, vultures, hawks, bobcats, coyotes, and California kingsnakes. 

What is the survival rate of a rattlesnake bite?

Even though rattlesnakes have dangerous venom, you have a very high chance of surviving. Fatalities from rattlesnakes are very rare, especially when medical care is very widespread. It is estimated that 1 in 600 rattlesnake bites are fatal, so it is very unlikely you will die from a rattlesnake bite.

What to do if you have a rattlesnake in your backyard?

First of all you need to keep your distance and stay calm. Make sure your pets are locked up to prevent them from being bit. DO NOT try to handle the snake yourself, call any San Diego animal services. 

Image Credit 

https://depositphotos.com/photos/southern-pacific-rattlesnake.html

https://sdmmp.com/view_species.php?taxaid=174316

Tom Derr - rattlesnake specialist 

          

References

• Wikipedia Contributors. “Crotalus Helleri.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 May 2025.

• “Snakes - Cabrillo National Monument (U.S. National Park Service).” Nps.gov, 2024, www.nps.gov/cabr/learn/nature/snakes.htm. Accessed 14 May 2025.

• “What to Do If You Encounter a Rattlesnake.” Wildlife.utah.gov, wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/1202-rattlesnake-encounter-what-to-do.html.

• “Arizona Hikers’ Guide to Rattlesnake Safety - Rattlesnake Solutions.” Https://Rattlesnakesolutions.com, 21 Mar. 2018, rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/arizona-snakes/arizona-hikers-guide-to-rattlesnake-safety/. Accessed 16 May 2025.

• “Red Diamond Rattlesnake - Crotalus Ruber.” Californiaherps.com, californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.ruber.html.

• Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake. “Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake – Arizona Snake Identification and Information.” Rattlesnakesolutions.com, 2025, rattlesnakesolutions.com/snake-information/roa-southwestern-speckled-rattlesnake.php. Accessed 16 May 2025

Since 1978, the San Diego Herpetological Society (SDHS) has been a cornerstone for individuals passionate about reptiles and amphibians. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SDHS is dedicated to education, conservation, and the responsible care of herpetofauna.

Our Mission

SDHS aims to:

• Educate the public on the appreciation and proper care of reptiles and amphibians.

• Promote the study and conservation of herpetofauna.

• Facilitate the protection and, when necessary, the rescue of at-risk animals.

• Collaborate with organizations and individuals sharing similar goals.

Community Engagement

SDHS hosts monthly meetings every third Tuesday at 7:00 PM in Balboa Park's Casa Del Prado, Room 104. These gatherings feature guest speakers, live animal presentations, and opportunities for enthusiasts to connect. 

For younger enthusiasts, the Junior Herp Club offers both in-person and virtual events, fostering early interest in herpetology. 

Rescue and Adoption

Committed to animal welfare, SDHS operates a rescue and adoption program for reptiles and amphibians. A dedicated team of volunteers provides care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services, ensuring these animals find suitable homes. 

Get Involved

Whether you're a seasoned herpetologist or a curious newcomer, SDHS welcomes you to join its community. Membership offers access to resources, events, and a network of like-minded individuals. Donations support ongoing rescue efforts and educational programs.

To learn more, visit the San Diego Herpetological Society website.

Note: This blog post serves as a placeholder and can be expanded with additional details, images, and links to specific programs or events.

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