Though there are more than 3,000 species of lizards in the world, and all can bite, only two are venomous: the Mexican beaded lizard and the Gila monster. The Gila monster is a protected species.
Gila monsters live throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico, with a banded subspecies ranging from west-central Arizona into southern Utah and Nevada. They look a little like fat snakes with four legs. Almost 2 feet long, they are mostly black in color with touches of pink, orange and yellow. Their scales are round and, since they do not overlap, the Gila monster looks a bit beaded. These scales are replaced a few times a year when the lizards shed their skin.The poison glands of the Gila monster are at the rear of its jaw, from which the venom runs between its lips and lower teeth, grooved to facilitate the flow. Usually the Gila monster chews the venom into the victim, but it will not bite unless disturbed and in self-defense.
Gila monster bites are usually "illegitimate," that is, due to careless handling or provocation. These lizards are very shy and avoid any type of contact with humans. For this reason, bites from Gila monsters are considered rare. If provoked by holding or placing fingers near the lizard's mouth, the lizard with usually bite. Once attached, it is extremely difficult to remove the lizard. Various methods have been suggested for removing the attached lizard, including forcing the jaws apart with a screwdriver or stick, holding a flame under the lower jaw, submerging the attached lizard in water, or as a last resort, grabbing the lizard's tail and giving a quick jerk. Each method has worked, but removal by jerking the lizard's tail usually results in significant tissue damage.
The bite of the Gila monster usually results in skin punctures ranging in number from a few up to 15. Pain is always present and has been described as burning and intense, usually peaking in intensity at 15 to 45 minutes and persisting for up to 24 hours. Pain is an important finding because up to 30 percent of all bites result in no venom being injected. The pain may radiate quickly and intensify within the first hour after the bite. Local signs include slowly progressing swelling, bluish discoloration around the bite site and superficial bleeding. Occasionally reports of "blinding lights," bulging eyes and increased pulse rate have been reported. Other uncommon symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache and shock.
Misconceptions and myths about Gila monsters exist. These lizards have been described as having poisonous breath and as being able to spit venom, sting with their tails and sting with their tongues. None of these are true.
First aid
- Remove the lizard with as little tissue damage to the victim as possible and without breaking off any of the lizard's teeth in the bite area.
- Do not apply constricting bands to bitten extremities or areas.
- Do not make cuts or incisions through the bite site.
- Do not use ice or cold on the area.
- Wash the wound.
- Seek medical attention. No commercially produced anti-venin is available.
- Aspirin or acetaminophen is usually sufficient for pain control.