US: Gila Monster Bite Claims Life of 34-Year-Old in Colorado

In a tragic incident in Colorado, a 34-year-old man died days after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters, according to Lakewood Police.

The emergency call on Feb. 12 reported an animal bite, later identified as the Gila monster’s. The victim, unidentified at the family’s request, succumbed to the bite four days later. Lakewood Animal Control, assisted by Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, removed the Gila monsters and 26 illegal spiders from the home.

Gila monsters, venomous reptiles native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, are one of the world’s two venomous lizards. While their bites are usually not fatal to humans, the exact cause of death awaits toxicology testing, as confirmed by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.