Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

Safety note: Venomous — do not approach

The Gila Monster is one of only two venomous lizards native to the U.S. Its venom is delivered through grooved teeth by chewing rather than injecting. It is slow-moving and spends 95% of its life underground.

Habitat

Desert scrub, rocky canyons, and oak-pinyon woodland in the Southwest

Diet

Bird and reptile eggs, small mammals, and lizards

How common

Uncommon

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