Meet Gila, The Venomous Desert Dweller

The Gila Monster is a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is a slow-moving desert dweller, spending most of its time underground. The lizard is characterized by its heavyset body, large tail, and distinctive black and orange-red patterned scales. Gila Monsters hunt small desert animals and their eggs using their keen sense of smell, delivering venom through a relentless bite. Although their venom is toxic, it is not fatal to adult humans. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss from development, and their underground lifestyle makes it difficult to estimate their population.

What is unique about the Gila Monster compared to other lizards?

Describe the habitat of the Gila Monster.

How does the Gila Monster hunt its prey?

Explain the significance of the Gila Monster's venom.

What impact has human development had on the Gila Monster population?