Taken just as he was heading for my patio door. This one was over 15 inches long and not a happy camper when cornered. They are poisonous and move fast especially when you are at their level.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Mike, the bite is poisonous but evidently not fatal, biggest problem is getting them to let go. Here is a note from Wikipedia about their venom. "Although the venom is a neurotoxin as toxic as that of a Coral Snake, H. suspectum produces only small amounts.<sup id="cite_ref-nzp_8-1" class="reference">[9]</sup> The Gila monster's bite is normally not fatal to adult humans (there are no confirmed reports of fatalities), but it can bite quickly and hold on tenaciously and painfully.<sup id="cite_ref-greene_9-2" class="reference">[10]</sup> If bitten, the victim may need to fully submerge the attacking lizard in water to break free from its bite. Symptoms of the bite include excruciating pain, edema, and weakness associated with a rapid drop in blood pressure".
Neel
great capture - you were lucky to see him - what part of AZ are you in?
Marcy, we live in Tucson and we see them maybe once or twice in the spring, not every year however. The largest we have seen was a little bit over 17 inches long.
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http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
www.capture-the-pixel.com
http://www.michaelhelbigphotography.com
http://www.thewildpig.blogspot.com
Neel
Marcy, we live in Tucson and we see them maybe once or twice in the spring, not every year however. The largest we have seen was a little bit over 17 inches long.
Neel
http://www.michaelhelbigphotography.com
http://www.thewildpig.blogspot.com