Species Reptiles & AmphibiansGila Monster

Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)
Safety note: Venomous — do not approach

The Gila Monster is one of only two venomous lizards native to the U.S. Its venom is delivered through grooved teeth by chewing rather than injecting. It is slow-moving and spends 95% of its life underground.

Habitat
Desert scrub, rocky canyons, and oak-pinyon woodland in the Southwest
Diet
Bird and reptile eggs, small mammals, and lizards
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Gila Monster

The best time to see a Gila Monster is March–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,821 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Gila Monster sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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