{openx:8}Unlike the fictional monsters of the Southwest, the Gila Monster (pronounced HEE-la) is the real thing. Gila Monsters are heavy, slow moving lizards up to 2 feet long that prefers desert terrain. They are the only venomous lizard native to the United States, and are named for the Gila River which flows through New Mexico and Arizona. The species was widely feared in the Southwest during the pioneering days, consequently some interesting myths have sprung up surrounding the creature, including the idea that its very breath is toxic.

The Gila Monster has a distinctive look —black, orange, pink or yellow broken blotches, bars and spots, and bands extending onto its blunt tail, as well as a black face and a beaded appearance. It’s teeth have two grooves that channel the venom, a nerve toxin, from glands in its lower jaw. Unlike a snake, the venom isn’t injected, but rather flows into the wound as the lizard chews on its victim. The nerve toxin easily overpowers smaller pray, but is rarely fatal to humans.

Which leads us to another myth regarding these large lizard. Legend says that if a Gila Monster bites you, it won’t let go until it thunders or until the sun goes down. While the lizards do have powerful bites and do hang on tenaciously, they can be persuaded to release a victim.

The lizards native range is the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of extreme southwestern Utah, southern Nevada, southeastern California, Arizona and southwestern New Mexico into Mexico. It prefers desert and semiarid regions of gravelly and sandy soils with low shrubs and frequently takes over the burrows of other animals or nests in holes it digs for itself.

In the summer months, the Gila Monsters feeds at night on small mammals, birds and eggs. In particular, the lizards favor the eggs of the desert tortoise, a federally protected species. During the winter months, the Gila Monster hibernates and lives off the fat stored in its tail and abdomen.

Gila Monsters mate throughout the early summer months (April – June), with males battling for dominance. Mating typically takes place in communal shelters, where as many as six Gila Monsters may congregate at one time. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs in sandy soils, burrows or under rocks, during the fall or winter. The young lizards hatch after 124 to 150 days.

While scientists say these slow moving creatures are very shy and are most likely to run away, they will threaten you if cornered. Threat techniques include wide open mouths, loud hissing and even jumping at you. Your best bet is to give these critters a wide birth and take pictures with a telephoto lens!