Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

NATURAL HABITAT
The Gila monster is found in scrublands, deserts and oak woodlands.

DIET
IN THE WILD – Birds, eggs, frogs, lizards and insects
IN THE ZOO – Rodents

FASCINATING FACTS

  • Only venomous lizard native to the United States
  • Store fat in tails during the winter months
  • May spend more than 95 percent of their life in underground burrows
  • A protein found in their saliva has been used in FDA approved treatments for type 2 diabetes
  • Visitors in 2023
    Visitors in 2023

    383,169

  • CAMPERS IN 2023
    CAMPERS IN 2023

    1,587

  • CREATURES CARED FOR
    CREATURES CARED FOR

    400