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The only poisonous lizard known to the world is native to the desert
southwest of the US and Mexico. Known as the Gila Monster or Beaded Lizard, these animals
spend about 80% of their life underground but become more active at the
surface during Spring.
Technically, there are two species of Gila Monster, but it usually
takes a herpetologist to make the distinction.
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Though Gila Monsters appear slow and lumbering, these creatures can move with surprising speed, and they WILL
render a severe, poisonous bite. They have been known to stay
attached to human victims for 15 minutes, and in at least one case, not
even pliers could pry the animal loose.
Recently deceased snakes can still have a
bite reflex, and to be on the safe side, I would expect the same of this
creature. Additionally, the poisons from these animals can
still affect a person long after the lizard has been dead should a finger be
snagged on a
fang for example. As with all animals, these creatures are a normal and desired part of
the ecosystem.
Seeing one should be considered a real treat and not an opportunity to
molest it or kill it.
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Region Found In: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Southern
California, Southern Utah, and into Mexico.
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Identifying
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Gila Monsters grow to a substantial size --
about 14 inches long and are larger than most other N. American lizards.
They are identified by their
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Dealing With Bites
Treat as though a
general snake bite
(please read our disclaimer).
However, note that unlike a
pit viper bite, Gila
Monster bite sites will have several puncture wounds from numerous sharp
teeth possibly making treatment with a Sawyer Extractor™ difficult.
As with all bites, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible -- not only
because of possible envenomization, but because of
pathogens too.
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There a no official
reports from anyone ever dying as a direct result of a Gila Monster
bite. |
| There a no reports from anyone ever dying as a
direct result of a Gila Monster bite. As with
snake bites, the
victim of a Gila Monster bite usually does something foolish after being
bitten, and it is this poor
problem
management that sometimes results in his or her
demise.
Nonetheless, this is still a poisonous bite and should be taken very
seriously. |
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