Mission : Endangered Species

Gila Monster

    The first known fossil remains of this strange lizard date back 30 to 40 million years, and were found in Colorado. The Gila Monster is a large slow-moving lizard with a broad head, black snout, and sausage shaped tail. It's body is covered with small round scales that look like beads. Gila Monsters are black with a pattern of pink, orange, or yellow. They grow to 18 to 24 inches long. They have large poison glands situated just behind the chin.

    As a habitat it prefers the area around the Gila River. The Gila Monster returns to the same place place each winter to hibernate. They spend 90 % of their time underground. They eat the eggs of birds and reptiles, nesting birds, and small mammals. The Gila Monster is endangered because farmers are destroying their habitat. They are also highly prized on the live market as pets.