Thoughts of reluctances can lead to complacency and ignored risks. While it is less likely a Gila will bite given their typical behaviors even in the wild, the risk will always be there. While we have handled the Gila without aid of gloves here lately since he's stopped hissing even when approached in his enclosure, for any moving / prolonged handling gloves are still the go-to. . . all in all, agreed that they are a very special species to work with!