Here's Why You're Seeing More Gila Monsters When Hiking in Tucson

TUCSON — Since the end of the state stay-at-home order, Arizonans have flocked to their favorite hiking trails to reclaim what’s left of the favorable spring climate. But humans aren’t the only ones leaving their dwellings to relish in the gentle weather, warmly colored wildflower blossoms and the fragrances of citrus, earthy sage and pollen.

There have been a lot of posts across social media of residents encountering one of the Sonoran Desert’s most infamous habitants (and lovers of spring): the Gila monster.

My new neighbor at the Desert Research Learning Center from r/Tucson

Here's why more Arzionans are snapping more photos of Gila monsters — and what to do when you see one, according to Robert A. Villa, the president of the Tucson Herpetological Society and research associate at The Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill.

Why are more people seeing Gila monsters in Arizona right now?

“Gila monsters may seem rare because we hardly see them, but they are probably more abundant than we think,” Villa says. “You just happened to encounter one at the right time."

The delicate golden blanket of fallen Palo Verde blossoms on the desert floor is an unofficial signal to the “Goldie Locks” season in the Sonoran Desert. It’s that time of year when the weather isn’t painfully hot or cold enough for a Patagonia puff jacket. It’s welcomed not only by humans but by Gilas, too.

“Spring and the monsoon rainy season are the crux of Gila monster and other desert species activities," Villa said. "They wait out cold and drought by resting underground or otherwise going into a state of dormancy to preserve energy and resources until rain triggers activity. Think of water as physical currency that allows plants and animals to thrive.”

Gilas are shy, so maybe they also got used to having their deserts back while humans were in quarantine? A mystery that will remain unsolved.

“Humans have interacted with the Gila monster for the last several thousand years," Villa said. "I think that we are more aware of it because of our mobile devices and social media.”

He also notes that most encounters happen “where people are interfacing with the edge of urban sprawl and the desert.”

Team Effort to Get the Gila Monster Across the Road from r/Tucson

What should you do if you see a Gila monster on a Tucson hiking trail?

Leave it alone.

“Most of the time, there is no need to do anything, as they are just passing through or have been residents of your yard and area for longer than you realized,” Villa said. “The Gila monster is venomous, and a bite is a medical emergency. People who are bitten are intentionally trying to move or harass the Gila monster. Same usually goes for rattlesnakes. Bravado usually causes bites. There are professional animal removers available. Sometimes the fire department will remove them, but rarely.”

gila monster near the galaxy theater !! from r/Tucson

How bad is getting bit, or Gila monster venom, really?

“They tend to lock on to deliver the venom against gravity through grooved teeth in the jaw (mandible)," Villa said. "They also might be afraid of falling if hanging from the bitten extremity. Place all four of its legs on the ground and it might let go. If not, squirt some rubbing alcohol or vinegar into the eyes and nostrils to cause it to let go. Remove jewelry that will constrict fingers and wrists with the swelling that will happen. Call 911. All other first aid can be more damaging than the actual bite. These same protocols can apply to a rattlesnake bite. No need to bring the lizard or snake to the hospital, as there is no antivenin in the U.S. for Gila monster bites, and rattlesnake antivenin covers all native North American species.” The same goes for pets; if a Gila monster bites a dog, follow the same protocols and get it to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.

Even though Gila monster venom is not lethal, it causes “swelling, severe shock and fluctuations in blood pressure” that requires hospitalization, according to Villa. These “fluctuations” can turn into a lethal danger (like a heart attack) for people with preexisting conditions and children.

'Halloween Lizard' but no monster.

According to Villa, “monster” is an unfortunate term to associate Gilas with because it makes them more “susceptible to being hit on roads or killed out of fear or hatred.”

There's no official nickname for the orange and black lizard, but Villa says he's heard them jokingly called a “Halloween Lizard” or “Halloween Gecko” by other herpetologists. Calling them "Gila" works, too. But technically, their real name is Heloderma suspectum.

“Heloderma means 'studded skin,' because each scale on the top surface of the lizard has an individual bone called an osteoderm, meaning 'bone skin,'" Villa said. "Suspectum means 'suspect' because, for the longest time, no one knew if they were venomous or not. And there were a bunch of erroneous ideas about what made them toxic. Such as they don’t have an anus and so everything putrefies in their body and their breath and bite is toxic. Some thought they stung with their tail. Some thought they spit their venom.”

“Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, etc. are part of the package of living in Arizona," Villa said. "Educate yourself about them in order to better coexist with them.”