What To Do If a Gila Monster Wanders Into Your Arizona Yard

I’ve lived in Arizona for decades. Over the years, I’ve collected books and saved websites to learn about the creatures that share the Arizona-Sonoran Desert with me. Just when I think I’m getting used to the amazing wildlife here, something new appears and sends me off on another adventure.

I’ve learned about everything from tarantulas and scorpions to javelinas, coyotes, diamondbacks, and roadrunners. But when I came across a large, slow-moving lizard called the Gila Monster, it felt like I was discovering Arizona’s wild side all over again and needed to start a new round of research.

Where Gila Monsters Live

Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) are the largest lizards in Arizona and the only ones that are venomous, according to Banner Health. They are true desert animals, found throughout southern and central Arizona. You’ll spot them in rocky foothills, desert scrub, and washes.

These desert creatures aren’t looking for attention. They spend up to 95% of their lives underground, hiding in burrows or packrat nests. Now I see why even people who have lived in Arizona their whole lives rarely spot them.

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How Big Does a Gila Monster Get?

You can recognize a Gila Monster by its thick body and orange-red and black beaded skin. They can grow up to 22 inches long and weigh more than a pound, making them the largest lizards native to the United States.

Their intense, black-and-orange patterning isn’t meant to be glamorous; it’s a warning to animals and humans to stay back.

RELATED: What To Know About Arizona's Most Venomous Snakes

How Dangerous Are They?

Gila Monsters, like most venomous animals and insects in the desert, don’t want to start trouble. They are venomous but not aggressive and will avoid people whenever possible.

So it’s up to you to leave them alone. If they are grabbed or cornered, they can give a painful bite and may hold on, releasing more venom the longer they bite. Bites are rarely fatal, but they are still medical emergencies.

READ MORE: What to Do if You See a Coyote in Arizona Neighborhoods

What To Do If You Find One

If a Gila Monster wanders into your yard or crosses your path on a hiking trail:

• Give it space. Gila monsters move slowly, but they know how to defend themselves.
• Do not try to pick it up or relocate it. Handling is the #1 cause of bites.
• Keep your dog clear. Don’t let your animals get too close. (See the first bullet).
• Let it pass on its own. They’re usually just traveling between shelters.
• If it’s in a risky spot (like near pets), contact local wildlife authorities for safe removal.

If a bite occurs, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 or 911, and get medical attention immediately.