How about Gila Monsters

Question

I know they are poisonous. I also know they are docile and unlikely to bite. Do they make good pets? I have seen them advertised for $8,000 here in Japan. Is that outrageously expensive? (Hey! that was two questions - sorry!)

Answer 1

I have seen them in their natural habitat (western part of the country, USA), and the only time they have been 'docile' is when they are asleep in the sun.

They are protected by law here, and you can even be fined for removing an injured one from the road.  No one will take it to rehab it (I learned this mess first hand a few years back), and you are not permitted to keep it, even with a Federal Rehabilitator's license, to treat it.  You are fined simply for having removed it from its native area, regardless of degree of injury.

I can't help you with your cost question.  The animals are not for sale at any price in the Continental USA (unless the laws have recently changed).

I would not recommend one as a pet.  As for 'docile' as in handling?  No, it's not a puppy or a kitten.  You can't 'pet' it.  But, if you'd like to spend $8,000 to put one behind glass and admire it - then knock yourself out.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Answer 2

In the U.S., they go for around $2000. They are quite likely to bite, and must handled to become tame. They don't necessarily start out that way. Wild Gila monsters are protected by federal law, but captive ones are allowed anywhere in the U.S. where there are no state or local restrictions against them. If I had the money, I would have already gotten one. One of the most reputable breeders of them is Bob Applegate, who's a really good guy. I think he's still waiting on this year's babies, but he has Mexican beaded lizards, which are closely related.

http://www.applegatereptiles.com/

Answer 3

yes and i think since their delicate if they are injured they will bite

Answer 4

Gilas do fine in captivity.

I wouldn't try and handle one though.

Not sure how common they are in Japan, but I've seen them for $2,000 for juvis here in the states. (Breeder direct)