Gila monster
Heloderma suspectum
32.2217, -110.926
Field Notes
Description:
The Gila monster is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. A heavy, slow-moving lizard, up to 60 cm (2.0 ft) long, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America, the other being its close relative, the Mexican beaded lizard (H. horridum). Though the Gila monster is venomous, its sluggish nature means that it represents little threat to humans. However, it has earned a fearsome reputation and is sometimes killed despite being protected by state law in Arizona and Nevada.
Habitat:
The Gila monster is found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, a range entailing Sonora, Arizona, parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico (but not Baja California). They inhabit scrubland, succulent desert, and oak woodland, seeking shelter in burrows, thickets, and under rocks in locations with ready access to moisture. In fact, Gila monsters seem to like water and can be observed immersing themselves in puddles of water after a summer rain. They avoid living in open areas such as flats and farmland.
Notes:
This was the first and only wild Gila monster I've gotten to see. It was discovered while road cruising one night, and it was almost like it wasn't real when we crested the hill and saw it in the headlights. Everyone in the car jumped out with their cameras and flashlights, and nobody dared touch it because they're protected in Arizona. We watched it lumber across the road and off into the desert darkness. It was a thrill!
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