New panther went from chilled out to frightened

[Milch]

Hi all,

I’m a Cham newbie, I’ve had a panther chameleon for one week, he’s about 4.5 months.

He’s remarkably friendly and will crawl onto my hand if baited with food, and usually make his way up to my head.

In the first few days I could get right up close to him and take photos/videos no problem. But in the last couple of days he’ll puff out and gape when I approach or open his enclosure.

Once I show him a fresh locust he forgets about all that and will run onto my hand as usual! It’s just strange that he has suddenly developed human-phobia. I can’t think of anything I or any other visitor has done to cause a change in attitude.

Any thoughts on how this might have come about and what, if anything, can be done to re-mellow him would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[GrannyK]

Sometimes they hate cameras specifically and now relate to you with the camera. Or he’s possibly just growing into his true big boy chameleon mode and you will see he’s friendly on his terms. Letting you know he’s the boss….kinda

 

[elizaann2]

This sounds just like my Treebeard. Beautiful wonderful spicy baby who decides he will tolerate me if I have food or he thinks I’ll let him out on his free range.