most likely yes and depending on how long it has not been handled, well the longer not handled the worse for you. If you are looking for a chameleon to handle I would suggest getting a baby and working with it while it is maturing. If you don't mind never being able to handle the chameleon, then go for it. Please be aware that some of the mean ones, bite, gape, hiss and lunge also so you may have to deal with that.