NAMED AFTER THE ARIZONA GILA River basin, where they were first discovered, Gila (pronounced hee-lah) monsters are one of only a small number of venomous reptiles and the largest lizards in the USA. The creatures have a frightening reputation, especially in local folklore, as they can deliver an agonising bite, but they pose little risk to humans if left alone.
Where do Gila monsters live?
Gila monsters are found in south-west USA and north-west Mexico, with the core of their range in Arizona and Sonora. Thedry areas such as desert grassland and scrubland, canyon bottoms, dry creeks and rocky slopes. They spend more than 90 per cent of their time in underground shelters, only emerging to hunt or bask. Though solitary, they do occasionally share these refuges with other Gilas.