Are Gila Monsters Pets?

Question

I'm just wondering if I can get a pet Gila Monster or can I just see them in the zoo?

Answer 1

Yes, they are available in the pet trade. Of course, being venomous, they aren't legal everywhere. I live in Texas and they are legal unless your city has ordinances against venomous reptiles. It is a federal crime to catch one in the wild, as they are protected. But you can buy them from breeders, but they cost about $2,000. They are not as bad of a pet as the previous answerers are making it sound. Yes, they are dangerous and should only be kept be advanced keepers, but captive bred specimens can be tamed and won't bite. I have seen some that were very friendly. And the bite of a Gila monster is not deadly. I have never heard of a recorded death ever. The bite may not be deadly, but it is extremely painful. And Gila monsters are very cool looking lizards. If they weren't so expensive, I'd already have owned one. You can see them for sale in the kingsnake.com classifieds.

Answer 2

Just as much as a pet tiger.

Answer 3

Gila monsters aren't available in the pet trade; they are one of the only two poisonous lizards in the US. (Gila Monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard). You can probably see them at the zoo, but they are dangerous, so dont try to touch one!

Answer 4

No, by all means get a really large one, for yourself.

Answer 5

Gila monsters are very poisonous, so they won't make suitable pets.

Here is more info on them:

http://www.desertusa.com/sep97/du_gilamo...

Answer 6

You probably wouldn't WANT one as a pet... Try to find a monitor lizard, much more 'pet' like and, well, you're better off than a Gila monster

Answer 7

yes its a fantastic idea!

Answer 8

No-they are venomous and require special permits in any state...and even then it may still be illegal.  Go to the zoo, they're pretty big as well as venomous and their requirements aren't something that can be met by people keeping a pet.

Answer 9

Yes you can adopt a Gila Monster! They are so cute.

http://www.chesterzoo.org/Support%20Us/A...

4th under reptile.

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/reptiles...

^ Here is some information on the care of your Gila Monster && other important facotrs. etc.

Have fun with your Gila monster!!! :]

Answer 10

well would u want a komodo dragon as a pet? or better yet, some deer in the backyard? its possible... but how would u even find one in the first place

Answer 11

Gila monsters grow big and are poisonous.  You couldn't exactly pet one much.