It is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. A nocturnal creature, the Gila monster attacks humans only in defense. In Arizona, it is a protected species. Thirteen species of ...

He later bought another Gila monster — Potato — in November from a breeder in Arizona. Both lizards were turned over to a South Dakota reptile sanctuary. Ward’s death may have been the first ...

The Gila monster's bite may be agonising, but humans have been using the lizard's venom to save lives. Over 30 years ago scientists discovered the potential of Gila monster venom as a treatment for ...