Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum, or Gila monster, is a venomous lizard native to Southern Utah.  In fact, it is the only venomous lizard native to the United States.  The lizard reaches 2 feet in length and is covered in yellow and black beaded skin unique to each lizard.  Encountering a Gila monster is a rare and incredible experience. Spending 95% of their time underground in burrows or rocks, they occasionally emerge to eat or move shelters. Gila monsters are most active early in the morning durning the spring and early summer.  They are known to move shelters every 4 to 5 days.  Remarkably, Gila monsters only need to eat 3 to 4 meals to survive for the season.  Their diet consists of rabbits, mice, frogs and other small creatures.  With their long two-ended tipped tongue, the lizard can pick up scents and hunt.

This makes sightings very rare.  Gila monsters have been seen along Padre Canyon and in the Chuckwalla area.  Though they are sluggish and nonaggressive, they should not be handled.  They can attack quick if motivated.  A Gila monster’s venom is considered to be as toxic as a diamondback rattlesnake.  If bitten, please seek medical help.