Pet Gila Monster Bite Leads To Death of Colorado Man

A Colorado man passed away after being bitten by his pet Gila monster. This would be an uncommon occurrence as it is rare for one of these desert lizards to cause death through their venom.

On February 12, 34-year-old Christopher Ward was hospitalized after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters. According to Lakewood Police Department spokesman John Romero, he was subsequently put on life support and passed away on Friday.

On the day following the bite, Leesha Crookston, along with other officers from Lakewood animal control, received two lizards, one named Winston and the other named Potato, from Ward’s girlfriend.

According to Crookston’s report, Ward’s girlfriend informed the police that she had heard a suspicious noise and decided to check Ward. When she entered the room, she discovered Winston has clamped down onto Ward’s hand.

She informed the officers that Ward began showing symptoms and eventually passed out. He stopped breathing after vomiting several times.

After being admitted to a hospital, Ward was put on life support. Shortly thereafter, physicians determined that he was clinically brain dead.

According to the report from the animal control officer, Ward’s partner stated that they acquired Winston at a reptile exhibit in Denver during October and Potato from a breeder in Arizona in November. After being informed that Gila monsters were prohibited in Lakewood, the woman expressed she wished to remove them from their home immediately.

The lizards were transported by officers from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to Reptile Gardens, located in Rapid City, South Dakota. Additionally, a total of twenty-six spiders, belonging to various species, were also removed from the residence and transferred to a nearby animal shelter.

The Arizona Gila Monster is known for its unique appearance and venomous nature, the Gila Monster is a truly remarkable reptile. The species is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. These creatures are renowned for their distinctive patterns of black and orange or pink bands, which serve as a warning to potential predators. With a length of up to 2 feet and weighing around 4 pounds, the Gila Monster is one of the largest lizards found in North America.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Arizona Gila Monster is its venomous nature. Gila Monsters possess venom glands in their lower jaws, which produce a potent neurotoxin. The venom is delivered through grooves in their teeth when they bite their prey or defend themselves.

Contrary to popular belief, the bite of a Gila Monster is rarely lethal to humans, but it can cause severe pain, swelling, and other symptoms. The neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system, causing muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. Although bites are rare, it is important to exercise caution and respect when encountering these reptiles.

The laws governing the ownership of Gila Monsters can vary from state to state and even within different jurisdictions. Some states prohibit private ownership altogether, while others may require specific permits or licenses.