Thirsty Gila monster
Gila Monster: Beads, Burrows, and Bite
One of only two venomous lizards in North America (the other’s in Mexico), the Gila Monster lumbers through the Southwest like it owns the desert—which it kind of does.
It doesn’t strike—it gnaws to inject venom. Yes, chews. Slowly. While you rethink your life choices.
It spends most of its time underground, emerging to snack on eggs, hatchlings, and the occasional unlucky rodent.
I photographed this one drinking at a pond and then strolling off like it had a reservation somewhere cooler. It never rushed. Why would it? Legends don’t run.
Thirsty Gila monster
Gila Monster: Beads, Burrows, and Bite
One of only two venomous lizards in North America (the other’s in Mexico), the Gila Monster lumbers through the Southwest like it owns the desert—which it kind of does.
It doesn’t strike—it gnaws to inject venom. Yes, chews. Slowly. While you rethink your life choices.
It spends most of its time underground, emerging to snack on eggs, hatchlings, and the occasional unlucky rodent.
I photographed this one drinking at a pond and then strolling off like it had a reservation somewhere cooler. It never rushed. Why would it? Legends don’t run.