20 February 2024
DENVER (KDVR) — A Colorado man has died after he was bitten by his pet Gila monster, according to police.
Police in Lakewood, a city just outside of Denver, say medical crews were called to a home shortly before midnight on Feb. 12 for an animal bite.
When those crews arrived, they found a 34-year-old man who had been bitten by one of his pet Gila monsters. He was immediately taken to a local hospital, authorities say.
The man did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead over the weekend, police have confirmed.
According to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Gila monsters are venomous. Its venom is made by a row of glands in the lizard’s lower jaw.
“When the lizard bites, small grooves in the teeth help the venom flow into its prey. The bite of a Gila monster is very strong, and the lizard may not loosen its grip for several seconds,” said the San Diego Zoo.
A Gila monster bite is painful to humans, however, it rarely causes death, according to the zoo.
A day after the man was bitten, Lakewood Animal Control officers went to the home and removed two Gila monsters with the assistance of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Lakewood police said the reptiles have been taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility.
Nexstar’s KDVR has confirmed it is illegal to own Gila monsters in Lakewood.