Arizona's WildLife

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Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

Look during spring mornings along rocky desert washes or after monsoon rains. Rarely seen, so any encounter is special.

The Gila monster is a large, heavy-bodied lizard with striking black and orange or pink bead-like scales. It is one of only two venomous lizards in the world and is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. Slow-moving and secretive, it spends up to 90% of its life underground. An iconic symbol of Arizona’s desert wildlife, the Gila monster is both beautiful and misunderstood, playing a key role in desert ecosystems

Reptile

Identification & Behavior

Key Features: Bead-like black and orange/pink scales. Thick, heavy body and blunt tail. Forked tongue for scent detection. Venomous bite (used defensively, not for hunting)

Size: About 18–22 inches long; 1.5–5 pounds.

Behavior: Spends most of its life in burrows. Moves slowly but can deliver a strong bite if threatened. Stores fat in its tail for survival.

Diet: Birds, bird eggs, small mammals, lizards, frogs, and carrion.

Activity Pattern: Primarily crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk); most active in spring and summer.

Habitat & Distribution

Found in southern Arizona deserts including the Sonoran and Mojave regions, rocky washes, and desert scrub. Present in Tonto, Prescott, and Coronado National Forests, and foothills near the Superstition and Santa Catalina Mountains.

Elevation Range: Typically 400 – 5,000 feet (rarely higher).

Seasonal Presence: Year-round; most visible during spring and after summer monsoons.