Gila monster

The Gila monster is a large, heavy-bodied lizard with black-and-orange beaded skin, one of the few venomous lizards in the United States, and seeing one is a genuine desert treat. It is slow-moving and generally docile, spends most of its time underground or in burrows, and comes out mostly in the spring and after summer rains. Bites are rare and only happen when the animal is handled or cornered, but they are very painful, so give it plenty of room.

Arizona was the first state to give the Gila monster legal protection. It is illegal to harass, harm, collect, or keep one without a special permit, which is generally issued only for education or research. If you find one in your yard, the right move is to observe it from a distance and let it move on; it is not something to relocate or remove yourself.

You can make a yard less appealing by not leaving out attractants such as pet food and by securing trash, since Gila monsters follow prey and shelter. If a Gila monster bites a person or pet, treat it as a medical or veterinary emergency and call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek care right away.

Safety and coexistence

• Never handle, harass, or try to relocate a Gila monster; it is illegal and can provoke a bite
• Observe from a distance and let it move on; report concerns to AZGFD
• Reduce attractants such as pet food and unsecured trash
• Treat any bite as an emergency: call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 or seek care