Gila Monster

I was hiking and looking for birds or lizards and was striking out when I saw some Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers. I tried for a few minutes to photograph them but couldn't get a clear shot. I turned to leave and saw this guy out of the corner of my eye. LUCK!!!

These guys are out for 2 -3 months per year (March-May) and then go underground for 9 months. I was fortunate to see this one and one other so far this year. They are also the only venomous lizard in the United States. If they bite, they don't let go either.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rP5M​6m

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rPcG​qz

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/s4mV​Xj

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/r9Rw​6t

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rPcK​Dt

Wow, what a handsome fella ... excellent documentation and imagery. Thanks for sharing.

Great captures. Love those guys!!

Nice Jeremy, Just the wackest looking guy, Looks like he's got a Marvel Comic's grin on permanent. Great find Jeremy

Great captures, glad you spotted and shared it. I've wanted to see one since I was a little kid - definitely on my bucket list!

Nice, that must've been a really nice treat to see one of them.

Thanks guys.
These lizards are pretty docile.
They move relatively slowly and are harmless
If you don't try to touch them.
Heck I slapped my 17-55 2.8 on for many of the shots.

One of the species i am wanting to see before i die. good stuff.

they are not super dangerous. they have to chew and create an opening to get their venom in, which even then the threat of danger is not super high.

i hear az fish and wildlife will arrest you on the spot if they see or think you are harassing these....?

I'm sure AZGFD would be very upset if someone was touching one.
It probably also depends on what officer you happen to get. Some are likely more relaxed, others not so much.

I got a couple feet from it. It didn't care one bit about me which was nice.

Thanks for the kind comment. I admire your work.

#2 is great. Love the look.

Love em Jeremy!
I've always had a fascination with the Gila Monster as the only native North American poisonous lizard and you've captured this one in great fashion. I absolutely love #3 & #4!