Pet Gila monster bites Colorado man, who dies in what experts call a "rare event"

CBS News ^ | February 20, 2024 / 9:54 AM MST | By Brian Maass

[Dr. Franklin]

Gila monsters and tarantulas...unusual choice of pets.

Some people like to live dangerously. Venomous reptiles must be made illegal to keep or transport except for zoos and legitimate research centers, and the same for large constrictor snakes like pythons and anacondas. Escaped pythons have established themselves in South Florida, imagine what happens if a breeding pair of cobras or something got loose? These people are nuts, and am very much opposed to the government regulating what citizens do in their homes, but this is a hazard to all, and very stupid.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Two oddities of Gila Monsters. The first is that their teeth are solid, so they have to chew to inject their venom. The second thing is that they tend to shed their teeth, so if one bites you, just grab it with your free hand, tear it off and throw it away. And then of course, as needed, remove any of its detached teeth from your wound.

You still need to see a venomous reptile specialist doctor, because you might have gotten not just venom, but tetanus and who knows what all else in the wound.

They are very uncommon in the wild and are regarded as a “near threatened” species.

[george76]

Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)

[dfwgator]

Note to self: Don’t forget to renew Gila monster license.

[fidelis]

They are very uncommon in the wild and are regarded as a “near threatened” species.

Yes, you pretty much have to know where they are and actively seek them out to see one. I've lived in Arizona for 30 years and spend a good deal of time out in the undeveloped desert and have never seen one in the wild (my son once spotted one up on Camelback Mountain, a small popular hiking mountain in Phoenix). Rattlers and other snakes and lizards, yes, but not Gilas. Just like Greta Garbo, they just want to be let alone.

[skr]

If it’s venomous, it’s not a pet.

[moovova]

“But, but...I don’t understand. He’s never bitten anybody before! He’s such a pussycat.”

[CFW]

“Going on 50 years ...”

---

The best thing a young man or woman can do at around the age of 20-25, is to find a good spouse, commit for a life-time, and work together to build a happy and loving relationship.

[Eagles6]

🤣👌

[rlmorel]

Well, if it hits you in the windpipe...

[Rummyfan]

Harper said the Lakewood incident may be an anomaly, but it shows "venomous reptiles are hazardous and should only be handled or possessed by people with the proper training.

where does one go to get gila monster handling training?! It seems rather clear the man in question had a screw loose.

[Opinionated Blowhard]

"I think this case highlights that any venomous animals should be respected," said Dr. Nick Brandehoff

I think it highlights that no one should own an animal with venom so potent that it can kill them.

[Rummyfan]

I had a pet rattler that I was mighty fond of. But I never turned my back to him.

[rlmorel]

Hahahahahahahahah! I remember that! "The Craw?"

I was thinking of this hokey movie:

LINK: "The Giant Claw"

[gundog]

Beaded Lizards are about the same thing, if “monster” is too off-puttting.

And...I had a ‘possum for a pet, way back when.

[wjcsux]

“ A young, healthy Labrador Retriever is perfectly capable of killing people.”

Yep, they can lick you to death.

[gundog]

Did you know possums can't get rabies?

My sister heard some strange noises under her bed, once When she looked, she found a ‘possum making slurping sounds, and foaming a great deal around the mouth. It was my pet, Pogo. She’d gotten ahold of a fragrant guest soap, and was enjoying it mightily.

[HartleyMBaldwin]

34 years in Arizona, about half in southern AZ and the rest in west-central AZ, and I hunt birds out in the desert whenever I can. I have seen just one Gila monster in the wild, about 20 years ago, but then I don’t go looking for them. Still haven’t seen a mountain lion out there, though I’m very certain they’ve seen me.

[Red Badger]

My pet Black Widow died................

[Manic_Episode]

If my chihuahua ever goes berserk I’m pretty sure I can take him.