The Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum), is a lizard native to North America. At a length up to 2 feet and 5 pounds heavy, it is also the largest native lizard discovered in the United States. Gila monster gets its name from Arizona’s Gila River basin, where it was first discovered. They can be found mainly in deserts located in southwestern United States, and northwest Mexico. They are found in areas of gravelly and sandy soil, mostly under rocks or in burrows. They spend 90-95% of their life hidden, only emerging to eat or bask in the desert sun. Gila monsters are lethargic creatures that feed mostly on eggs that are found from raided nests or on newborn mammals. They have the ability to store fat in their tails, which allows them go for months
