A bearded dragon can die from falling especially if the impact was against a hard surface like tile or concrete. Because of the weight and size of the reptile, the fall will not only result in broken limbs but also severe internal injuries.
Bearded dragons are often kept as pets because they are friendly and playful.
These lizards are known for being able to climb trees, but unfortunately, they aren’t very tough. If you drop them, they could get hurt or even die.
Climbing rocks and small trees is a common activity for these reptiles but this becomes even more problematic because they don’t have sticky feet that can help them adhere to rough or smooth surfaces thereby increasing the likelihood of a slip and fall.
Can bearded dragons handle a fall?
A bearded dragon can handle a fall if it lands on a soft surface like any sponge-like material, bedding, or grass because this will not result in any injuries, however, the impact can still leave them stunted for a few minutes.
Can bearded dragons survive terminal velocity?
A large bearded dragon’s terminal velocity can kill them because the air resistance is very little against their size and weight.
It’s even worse when the impact is against hard surfaces such as tiles, cement, or wood because they can suffer internal injuries or broken bones, versus softer surfaces like grass, chair cushion, or bedding which can provide a more gentle landing.
However, when the situation is reversed to small bearded dragons, there is no question that they can survive terminal velocity due to how lightweight they are.
Can bearded dragons fall to their death?
Yes, a mid-size to a large bearded dragon can fall to its death. When a bearded dragon falls toward any hard surface like tile or concrete between an average of 10-15 feet, it can die because the impact when it hits the ground can rupture internal organs leading to internal bleeding.
If you are aware of the bearded dragon falling, you should get it to your local veterinarian for a quick checkup to ensure that all is well.
However, this won’t be the case for bearded dragons falling onto soft surfaces like grass, hay, or perhaps bedding because the impact will be absorbed by the soft area in which it lands.
Can bearded dragons survive a fall?
A bearded dragon that falls will make a splat sound when it hits the ground and even if it does survive, it can result in a few broken limbs or paralysis.
Often times the reptile is so stunted by the fall that it remains frozen for 20-30 mins before slowly crawling again.
The sight of bearded dragons falling makes me sad if I’m unable to do anything at that point in time, but it’s heartwarming when you see them showing signs of life.
If you are ever in a situation like this, don’t panic. Bearded dragons eventually recover from temporary paralysis but if it puts you at ease, you can contact a local veterinarian to check out your pet bearded dragon.
Do bearded dragons feel pain when they fall?
Bearded dragons have pain receptors in the same way that vertebrates do. Their central nervous system will not only detect an irritation coming from the affected area but it will also set off the pain receptors.
Oftentimes it can be difficult to assess whether a reptile is stressed or in pain, especially after a fall, however, they are capable of expressing painful behaviors and showing signs of physical discomfort.
Furthermore, there are studies that found that animals can experience pain through a process called nociception.
According to researchers, animals that have suffered injuries in the past became hypersensitive in an attempt to protect themselves by sensing and avoiding dangerous stimuli.
Do bearded dragons always land on their feet?
Bearded dragons always land on their feet because of their ability to utilize the movement of their tail.
To stabilize their fall, the bearded dragons stretch out their tails and their feet in a skydiving posture like a belly-down position.
When bearded dragons fall from a rock or small tree that they’re climbing, they land feet-first with a quick snap of the tail and just like cats, bearded dragons always land on their feet.
Do bearded dragons take fall damage?
No, small bearded dragons don’t take fall damage but large bearded dragons won’t be able to withstand the impact of their terminal velocity.
If there is equal air resistance against a small object, it floats more in the air as it descends.
This essentially means that air resistance increases a small object’s floatability and even though some bearded dragons are small and relatively weightless, they can fall from great heights without suffering any fall damage.
Can bearded dragons die falling out of a tree?
Often times when a bearded dragon is climbing a small tree, it uses the claws on its hands and feet for grip and remains stationary when it needs to.
However, a bearded dragon can fall off a small tree and it’s not because their claws can’t hold them but rather, it’s their weight that leads to the downfall.
Allow me to paint a picture of what happened, beardie is slowly walking along the branch but misses a step which leads to him falling to the side.
While he attempts to climb back up, his arms eventually get weary while the claws give out due to the weight being held up.
Bloop! off he goes! (don’t worry, he’s okay)
Additionally, bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals and since cold weather immobilizes them, it can lead to temporary paralysis causing them to fall out of trees if they lose their grip.
What happens to bearded dragons when they fall?
After a bearded dragon falls on a hard surface, it enters a state of shock where it remains frozen until the stunted effects wear off.
What happens if a bearded dragon falls on its back?
A bearded dragon falling onto its back will make a loud splat, however, the reptile will remain unharmed if the impact was against a soft surface like a sponge or bedding but if the reptile made contact with a hard surface, you should take it to the nearest vet clinic asap.
How do I know if my bearded dragon was injured from falling?
The ability to detect whether a reptile is internally injured can be difficult to assess, however, they are able to communicate their pain through their behavior and show signs of physical distress.
To avoid taking the risk of waiting to see if something is wrong, you should make contact with your local veterinarian to assess your pet.
Final words
There are quite a few more animals that can survive terminal velocity and you can read more about it here – animals that can’t die from falling.
Further reading:
Physics Classroom – Free Fall & Air Resistance
Pub Med – Pain and its Control in Reptiles
Science Advances – Nerve injury drives a heightened state of vigilance and neuropathic sensitization in Drosophila
