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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How much of a hot and more questions?
Replies (2)
While I cannot comment on the toxicity of gila venom, there are many great resources out there. I recommend checking out Dr. Bryan Fry's website. In my opinion they are 'hot' and should be worked with as such. Gilas can be surprisingly fast!!
-Chris
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Christopher E. Smith
Contact
Captive Bred Herps
Wildlife Research & Consulting Services, LLC
Well lets see if I can help you a little here. I had a colony of Gilas for about 8 years. I always treated them as a HOT animal and generally dont handle much of my reptiles anyway. Its just my way to leave them be and only make contact when necessary. The bites can be sudden and painful,because the venom must literally be chewed into the victim its not a quick in and out thing. With that being said I Never had a bite or issue with any of my animals.The most I ever experienced was an ocassional hissing or posturing but that was usually from a newly aquired animal. I found they would come to the side of the enclosure when it was feeding time like any other animal used to being fed regularly. DO NOT feed them together or they invariably will latch onto the same food item and then it get interesting LOL.
I think you would enjoy keeping them as they are hearty and rewarding animals.
