Animal Profile
Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum cinctum
About Gila Monster
The Gila monster is a large and heavy bodied lizard, 18 to 24 inches in length, with small bead-like scales on the back. Their pattern varies from broken blotches, or bars, spots of black and yellow, pink or orange with bands that extend into its blunt tail. The Gila monster and the related Mexican beaded lizard are the only known venomous lizards.
Habitat
Generally nocturnal, the Gila monster lives in arid regions with gravely sandy soils especially with shrubs and some moisture. It burrows under rocks and shrubs or uses the burrows of other animals.
Fun Fact
Species of special concern in California. It is illegal to collect or possess a Gila monster without a permit.