The biggest problem you might have if a Gila monster bit you is trying to get the lizard to release its grip! Gila Monsters and Beaded lizards are protected in all parts of their range by law. Both are considered misdemeanor charges, with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $750 fine. (*The gila monster's bite may not be fun, but it's rarely fatal. But you really shouldn't worry, as Gila monsters tend to avoid humans and other large animals. Note: Before attempting to find a breeder or other source for your Gila monster, you need to check the laws of both your state and your city. The cost of treatment for my snakebite was approximately $7,500 — a bargain compared to the cost of treating other bites I am aware of. Treatment of venomous reptile bites can be expensive. Water from the bladder can be reabsorbed into circulation when needed to prevent dehydration. Consuming large amounts of water is an adaptation that keeps Gila monsters hydrated in their dry, desert habitat. To warn off potential predators, they open their mouth very wide and hiss. This could be due to its good tourist trade and the risks of a poisonous lizard … We need you to answer this question! Can you get a permit for Gila monster in ny? There are legal captive bred specimens available from breeders, but permits are required to take any from the wild. According to AZ Game and Fish owning a Gila monster is illegal without a permit and that selling these animals is also illegal. The Gila monster uses its urinary bladder as storage for this water. You cannot afford to keep or sell venomous reptiles without insurance. They drink up to 15 to 20 percent of their body weight in water at a single time. Be careful who you buy from. We've updated this slide to reflect that information.) A Gila monster bite is painful to humans, but it rarely causes death. Heloderma suspectum - Arizona Gila Monster (Smith 1946) Conservation Issues (Conservation Status) It is unlawful to import, transport, or possess the Reticulate Gila Monster - Heloderma suspectum suspectum subspecies in California except under permit issued by the California Department of … Simply put, if you cannot afford insurance, then you cannot afford to keep or sell these animals. For example, in Colorado, there are no laws saying that you must have a permit to own a Gila monster, however, in Colorado Springs, it is illegal to own a Gila monster without a permit.