Surprise Zone

With a length of up to 24 in (60 cm), the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a large, heavily build, brightly colored lizard that lives in the arid parts of Mexico and southwestern USA. They have eight well-developed venom glands in their lower jaws and carry enough venom to kill two adult humans. The venom is not injected but seeps into the wound inflicted when the Gila monster bites its victim with its sharp, fragile teeth. Because of this, a lizard may continue to hang on after it has bitten and actively chew for several minutes. In one study of 34 people bitten by these animals, there were eight fatalities. The lizard only attacks when provoked.