featuring the photography of Paul & Joyce Berquist

Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum

The Gila monster is one of only two venomous lizards in the world; the other being its close relative, the Mexican beaded lizard. It is also the largest lizard in the United States. A lizard of the desert foothills, the Gila monster is a protected species in Arizona. This lizard is generally around 16 inches in length, including the tail. The Gila monster injects its venom by chewing its victim; removal of the lizard is necessary to limit the amount of venom received. Its bite can be dangerous to humans, but it will only bite if it is cornered or feels otherwise threatened. During the coldest months, the Gila monster is dormant; during the warmest months, it is nocturnal; and the rest of the year, it is active during the day. Its usual foods are reptile and bird eggs and small mammals. If you come across a Gila monster, enjoy watching it from a distance.