Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

Status in the Wild: Protected

The gila monster is one of only two venomous lizards in the world. It is also the largest lizard in the United States.

Range: The gila monster is found mainly in the deserts of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, however, it does occur in some of the states adjacent to Arizona.

Habitat: This lizard is found in desert, desert grassland and desert scrub. It can be found in these areas that do receive some summer rainfall. Gila monsters are seldom seen because they spend a very large percentage of their time in burrows. They feed on small mammals, birds and reptiles. They will also take a bird or reptile egg if given the opportunity.