Gila Monster Release
The Gila Monster is an icon of the desert Southwest, though spotting one in the wild is a rare treat. They spend about 95% of their time underground, only coming out for a few hours a day during the spring months to hunt for nesting rodents or songbirds. So, imagine our surprise when Tucson Wildlife Center received not one, not two, not three—but four Gila Monsters in a single week!
Gila Monsters often arrive with injuries to their mouths, whether from territorial disputes with other Gila Monsters or from using their powerful bite to defend themselves. They can also have unfortunate encounters with humans, including being struck by bikes or ATVS, accidentally dug from burrows, or becoming trapped on glue traps. Fortunately, none of these four patients had serious injuries, and after a short stay in care, they were all returned to the wild.
Because Gila Monsters have relatively small home ranges, our wildlife rehabilitation team works hard to release them as close to where they were found as possible, while also making sure they are in a safe, resource-rich environment. This includes making sure there are rock crevices they can hide in and root systems or old rodent burrows they can use to quickly retreat to safety.
Sometimes this means release days can be an adventure. Staff may have to navigate rough, unpaved roads or hike miles across rugged terrain to reach the spot where the Gila Monster was originally found—all while having a venomous lizard as your hiking companion!
TWC applauds the dedication of our staff, who go the extra mile to ensure these remarkable reptiles can return to the desert they know best, no matter what it takes. If you would like to help patients like these Gila Monsters, click this link to donate,
Another way you can contribute is to visit our “wish list” on Amazon or Chewy below:
We appreciate it, as will all the wild animals in our care!
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