My Gila Monsters

[Najakeeper]

Hello All,

I got three Heloderma suspectum suspectum hatchings last year and they have been with me for about a year now.

They are amazing animals, with wonderful colors and great personalities. They mellowed down a lot and recognize me easily when I come into the reptile room. They actually seem to enjoy some level of interaction with me and love to get their heads scratched. Currently, they share a large cage but I will seperate them right after their first ever hibernation, which will start in a couple days.

Here are some pictures and videos:

As babies:

Bhenek:

Chengel:

Kashli:

[Najakeeper]

As they are now:

[Najakeeper]

And a video showing how gentle* they are:



Here is a link to my Youtube channel for all of my animals:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Najakeeper

Thanks for watching, liking, subscribing, commenting etc.

*Disclaimer: Gila Monsters are venomous animals and I discourage other people to try my handling techniques.

[jason_ladouceur]

Nice lizards. I kept a small group for a short time years ago but they really weren't my cup of tea. Not sure I would tempt fait by scratching their heads with my bare hands though. A friend of mine had the misfortune of being bit by one years ago, and after seeing what he went through I'm certainly not interested in having that experience for my self.

[Najakeeper]

Nice lizards. I kept a small group for a short time years ago but they really weren't my cup of tea. Not sure I would tempt fait by scratching their heads with my bare hands though. A friend of mine had the misfortune of being bit by one years ago, and after seeing what he went through I'm certainly not interested in having that experience for my self.

Being a complete "hypocrite" in this case, I totally agree with you. No one should try this as these animals are capable of dealing significant hurt.

[jclaiborne]

What are the effects of their venom on a person?

[jason_ladouceur]

What are the effects of their venom on a person?

Gilas venom has evolved primarily for defense. It mainly causes intense pain for the victim of a bite. But it can also as it did for the friend of mine that got bitten cause local necrosis do to infection. But as with any venoms they affect different people in different ways so it's impossible to fully predict how any bite will affect someone.

[Mr Oni]

Beautiful little monkeys you have there. Do throw more pics around.
Its very interesting

[Robyn@SYR]

Awesome pics, awesome species, one of my all time faves : )

[satomi325]

Gorgeous little group!
Thanks for sharing.