Many people may not know that the Gila Monster is a large reptile indigenous mainly in the desert where I live near Tucson, Arizona, USA.

It is the only venomous lizard in the United States. Although it is venomous, it rarely bites humans because it is quite sluggish. It is protected in our state.

Last week, my wife discovered a 14 inch Gila Monster on our back porch. We called the fire department and they quickly came and relocated the beautiful animal.

Gila Monsters can grow as long as 60 cm (2 feet). Now THAT's a GIANT GILA MONSTER!