Gila Monster

This large, heavy bodied beaded lizard displays black markings on a background of (ream, pink, yellow or orange. It measures up to 24 inches in length and weighs up to two pounds.

While it is the only venomous lizard in the United States, it is a shy creature and lives underground 95% of the time.

Bites to humans are rare and usually happen when people try to handle them. They are seen above ground from early March to mid May.

The Gila monster prefers canyon bottoms, rocky areas and outlying desert residential areas.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bite

A bite produces intense pain within 30 seconds, followed by swelling, weakness, dizziness, nausea and chills.

Treatment

Once a Gila monster bites, it does not generally let go. As they chew, the saliva carries the venom into the wound. Getting the monster off as quickly as possible is important. Various methods have been suggested, but the most effective is to just pull it off. Allow the wound to bleed freely and flood it with water, if possible.

Call the Samaritan Regional Poison Center 602-253-3334 or 1-800-222-1222 for the signs and symptoms and first aid treatment.

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