Gila Monster

Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum

One of only two species of venomous lizard found in the world, it is found in the deserts of the southern United States and Mexico. Gila monsters have venom glands, but do not inject their venom like snakes do. Instead, they grasp their prey in extremely powerful jaws and bite down hard, tearing the flesh with their razor sharp fangs and causing wounds into which the venom flows. Gila monsters bite so hard that they cannot be disengaged without the use of pliers or other tools. They possess enough venom to cause the death of three to four adult humans. Gila monsters are carnivorous, and will eat small animals and any eggs they find.