Anne Wertheimer, PhD

Photo by Jerry Schudda

Gila Monsters are slow moving, armored, venomous lizards. Their skin is speckled with osteoderms or small bones that help to protect the animal. Although their venom is not considered to be lethal, it causes excruciating pain that will last for a few days. Because their venom is secreted in their saliva, they tend to clamp down and grind their teeth when biting, meaning that they often do not let go for upwards of 10 minutes.