Monsters Everywhere!

There are monsters out there, roaming the deserts of Tucson.  Sneaky, slow, and elusive, they are known for their dangerous bite and their bright orangey-pink and black skin.  Allow us to introduce the United States’ only venomous lizard, the Gila monster!

As threatening as these creatures may sound, you’re actually not very likely to see one.  Gila monsters can spend over 90% of their time in their underground burrows, mainly venturing out during the day for feeding and territory purposes.  A fairly large lizard at over a foot in length, the Gila monsters diet consists of newborn rodents and other ground-nesting animals, including eggs from birds and other reptiles.

What should you do if you encounter a Gila monster around Tucson?  First of all, consider yourself lucky!  Grab your camera and take some photos from a safe distance. Gila monsters, when approached, can become defensive.  As slow as they seem, they can move quickly when agitated and their bite is serious.  Gila monsters produce venom along with their saliva—when they bite, the chewing motion works this venom into the wounds they create.  While not typically deadly, swelling and other complications can occur, along with excruciating pain. As if that wasn’t enough incentive to leave these lizards alone, it’s also important to know that Gila monsters are protected by Arizona state law—it is illegal to handle, collect, kill, or sell them.  It’s best just to leave them alone and watch them do their thing.  Due to the low numbers or Gila monsters left in the wild, these lizards are classified as being close to being a threatened species.

Takeaway: When it comes to our desert monsters, “love them and leave them” is a great motto to live by!  We always love to see the colors and patterns of those your camera captures.