Gila Monsters

Gila monsters are large, venomous lizards native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They have distinctive black and orange or pinkish scales and are one of the few lizard species that produce venom. Unlike snakes, they inject venom through grooves in their lower teeth when biting. Gila monsters primarily feed on eggs, insects, and small mammals, and they can store fat in their tails for survival during scarce periods. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are generally non-aggressive and pose minimal danger to humans, preferring to escape rather than confront when threatened.