Gila monsters are the only species of venomous lizards that are native to the United States. They are slow-moving, heavy, and around two feet long, but the most interesting part about them is just how they inject their venom into victims. The venom is produced in salivary glands in the lower jaw, which is different than snakes who produce their venom in the upper jaw. The Gila monster is unable to inject the venom like a snake because their muscles are not strong enough.
Instead they latch on to their victim, and forcibly chew them until several of their teeth have broken off and the venom is deeply ingrained. Bites are usually not fatal for humans, but cause immense amounts of pain. One doctor from the 1800’s said, “I have never been called to attend a case of Gila monster bite, and I don’t want to be. I think a man who is fool enough to get bitten by a Gila monster ought to die.” The creatures may be slow, but once attached, often have to be submerged in water because they only let go on the brink of drowning!