The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum, / ˈhiːlə / HEE-lə) is a species of venomous lizard native to the Southwestern United States and the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. It is a heavy, slow-moving reptile, up to 56 centimetres (22 in) long, and it is the only venomous lizard native to the United States.

Mar 22, 2017 · Southern Utah is home to a creature that could have stepped straight out of ancient Greek mythology: a 35-pound monster with poisonous, fetid breath; impenetrable, armored skin; and a bite that is always fatal.

Apr 3, 2024 · The Gila (pronounced HEE-lah) Monster (Heloderma suspectum) is one of the best known and most often asked about, but it is one of the rarest species to encounter of the Sonoran Desert reptiles. One of only two venomous lizards in North America, it …

May 14, 2024 · Native to the Sonoran Desert of the American southwest and Mexico, the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) might look and sound threatening. But to many, it’s known for its status as the largest lizard — and the only venomous lizard —native to the United States.

The person so chosen is thought to be possessed by the spirit of the supernatural Gila Monster. A ceremony must then be performed to control the involuntary shaking so that it does not become a disease and, at the same time, to introduce the individual to the status of diagnostician.

Mar 29, 2023 · What is a Gila monster? The Gila monster (pronounced HEE-luh) is a small, striking lizard with black scales and an array of orange stripes and spots. Along with their close cousins, the...

Jun 27, 2016 · Gila monsters are venomous lizards named after the Gila River Basin in Arizona. There are a lot of legends told about them, but here are 6 facts that you may not have known about the mysterious Gila monster.

Weighing in at over 2 kilograms and with a length of over half a metre, the Gila Monster is the largest lizard native to the United States. Gila Monsters are rarely seen due to their nocturnal lifestyle but are easy to identify if you are lucky enough to spot one.

Jun 3, 2011 · The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is the only venomous lizard native to the United States, but its reputation as a cold-blooded man-killer (in part triggered by the “monster” label) is as overblown as that of most Old West gunfighters. The shy and slow nocturnal creature, which still inhabits the Gila River valley in Arizona and New ...

Gila monster is one of the Navajo Holy People and is thought to be the original medicine man (according to the Flintway ceremony). When drawn in sand paintings and other representations, Gila monster appears as the large, venomous lizard known as the Gila monster, whose native habitat is the Southwestern U.S..