I truly have loved gila monsters since my childhood in Arizona years ago. Until just a few years ago I thought they were illegal to own...and am thrilled to find out that in some areas its perfectly fine.
I won't be looking for several years, as I currently live in Maryland and they are a no-go here. I do have several years herp experience...with over 40 snakes and multible lizards/torts/whatnot, however I have not owned a hot.
Nor do I plan on it.
I don't think it's worth the risk and I am honestly not diligent enough and I know it. A snake bite can be so fast...they fly across the tank sometimes. I am good with my aggressive snakes now..but the bite is no more than a sting and I know it.
But I have heard pretty conflicting things about gilas...so I came here for answers.
I have seen people at shows handling one just as if it were a bearded dragon. Tame and sweet. I am not sure I need to handle it like that...but I want to see how their temperment truly is. Will it lunge out after my moving hand? Do you need to wear welding gloves at all times?
I have heard that bites can be as bad as a bee sting or less...up to nightmares of death. I am not allergic to bee stings, does that make a difference?
Like I said...I will be doing much more research and it will be some time....but I would like to know if this is pretty much a pipe dream anyway!

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