Gila Monsters - Pictures

Gila Monsters

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Gila Monsters - Diet

Gila Monsters feed on small mammals, ground nesting birds, such as quail and mourning doves, reptiles, lizards, insects and dead animals. The lizards' favorite food is eggs. They may also eat rodents, and squirrels. Generally speaking, Gila Monsters tend to consume everything that they are able to find on the ground. An adult lizard may eat about 35 percent of its body weight. A young Gila Monster is known to eat approximately 50 percent of the body weight.

Gila Monsters - Behavior

The Gila Monster is a venomous lizard. However, this species is different from other lizards. Gila Monsters spend much of their time underground in the summer time to avoid the heat. The Gila hibernates in winter months. During warm weather the lizard feeds at night. The tail and abdomen are used for the animal's fat storage.

The species is slow and sluggish. It is not as aggressive as other lizards. However, the Gila Monster's bite is very strong. The tail of the Gila Monster serves as an indicator of the lizard's physical condition. A plump tail means that a reptile is well fed and healthy. A triangular-shaped tail indicates that the lizard is starving and dehydrated. The Gila's tail is not detachable. Gila Monsters tend to survive several years on the stored fat in their tails.

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