Colorado man dies after bite from Gila monster he illegally kept as a pet

[Bogertophis]

Different species... same issue.

I love how cute and derpy Mexican Beaded Lizards can look... But seeing people selling them at the local reptile shows is definitely something that has made me nervous.

I'm not surprised seeing this... especially after watching how a couple of the vendors were passing around an adult to each other without gloves and going on about how they're only nippy as babies and puppy dog tame they are once they get bigger.

You know, if reptiles were really out to "get" humans, there'd be so many more fatalities by now. Even species that are "cute & derpy" looking can really hurt you. Venom that's "rarely lethal" isn't the same thing as "non-lethal" & this is a heck of a way for this guy to find out. Geez, the guy was only 34 years old- what a dumb (preventable) way to go. Maybe someone needs to make muzzles for these venomous lizards? (Never mind, just kidding- it would be dangerous to put them on- maybe more so, because the lizards wouldn't like it & they'd learn fast what you're up to.)