Gila monster: 9 intriguing facts about the world's deadliest lizard

The Gila monster, found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, is one of the world's few venomous lizards. It is known for its striking beaded skin and can grow up to 22 inches long. This lizard is reclusive, spending 95% of its time underground and only emerging to hunt or sunbathe. Gila monsters can go months without food, relying on stored fat and a keen sense of smell to locate prey. The Gila monster's venom has medical uses; a synthetic version of a hormone from its venom is approved for treating type 2 diabetes. The species is protected under the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss.