Gila monsters are my very favorite Southwestern lizards and among the most thrilling Arizona animal encounters (my heart legitimately races with glee every time)!  Gila monsters are widely known to be among only two species of venomous lizards, the Mexican beaded lizard being the other.  New research, however, suggests that there may be a plethora of others!  These robust giants can reach 2 feet in length and spend much of their lives underground, emerging only briefly around April / May, and again during the summer monsoons.  For this reason, they tend to rarely be encountered and very little is understood about the behavior of gila monsters.  Horned lizards, however, are only a small step behind in the excitement department!  To our knowledge, all horned lizards rely primarily on ants, some depending largely upon a single species for sustenance.  Horned lizards rely mostly on camouflage for survival, but will feint death or even shoot blood out of their eyes as a desperate, last-ditch measure to escape becoming dinner.  These incredible creatures are pillars of the Southwest.  Sadly, they have suffered extensively at the hands of humans.  Excessive development combined with capture for the pet trade have dreadfully diminished their numbers.  Long-term Tucson residents will speak of the days when horny toads could easily be found in the middle of the city, but those days are now bygone.  We need to treat this planet far better, along with all of her incredible inhabitants!  Should you cross paths with gila monsters or horned lizards in the wild, please resist the temptation to catch or harass them.  Unless we dramatically change our ways and show more respect to these creatures, there may eventually come a day when they are no longer present in the wild.  I very much hope to never see that day, so save yourself the hefty fines (gilas and some horned lizards being federally protected), appreciate their beauty, and take only pictures, please!

Texas Horned Lizard

This large, dramatic lizard reaches the western extent of his/her range in SE Arizona. Like other horned lizards, the Texas variety survives mostly on a diet of ants. Horned lizards rely primarily on camouflage to avoid detection. When this fails, however, they have the unique ability to shoot blood straight from their eyes with uncanny accuracy.
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Meet the Gila Monster

Emerging from the brush, this gila monster walked straight toward me before veering away. Gila monsters are considered among only two North American species of venomous lizards. The venom is contained in their saliva. They will go to great lengths in avoiding the use of this venom, so please respect the space of these wonderful giants! SE Arizona.

This extremely unique image is a limited-edition, with only 24 / 25 prints of this image available. For ordering info, please contact me directly.

Majestic Monster

Despite their strange appearance, I find gila monsters to be absolutely beautiful! Gila monsters are considered among only two North American species of venomous lizards. The venom is contained in their saliva. They will go to great lengths in avoiding the use of this venom, so please respect the space of these wonderful giants! SE Arizona. Prints of this image are not currently for sale. Please check back for future availability!

A Gila Head

Gila monsters are extremely secretive lizards. They spend most of their lives underground, often emerging only briefly at certain times of the year. Seeing one is always a thrilling experience that makes my heart race!
While I lay on the ground watching and waiting, this gila monster meandered right by. Southern Arizona.

A Regal Crown

Among their many other unique attributes, horned lizards are identified by the shape of their "crown." The regal horned lizard wears a crown that's often more majestic than many other species. Don't judge this youngster too harshly!
Photographed near Tucson, AZ..
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Gila Habitat

Gila monsters are extremely secretive lizards. They spend most of their lives underground, often emerging only briefly at certain times of the year. Seeing one is always a thrilling experience that makes my heart race!
Disappearing into a bush, this adult gila monster was a wonderfully accommodating photo subject! SE Arizona.
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Short-Horned Lizard

A Greater Short-Horned Lizard "basking" on a chilly day at a very high elevation. This species is, by far, considered the most cold-tolerant, with a range extending into Canada. Mt. Lemmon, AZ.
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Horned Lizard Habitat

A short-horned lizard poses in the foreground of his / her beautiful habitat. This species can be found as far north as Canada. Photographed near Tucson, AZ.
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