Saturday, February 27, 2010

Hole in the Wall

Gila Monster 04

Yes, we saw a Gila Monster today!  It is a large venomous lizard native to the Southwest US and Mexico.  They are becoming more rare and are protected by state laws.  It is illegal to "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect the Gila Monster."

The last time I saw one, I was able to get more pictures.  Click here to see the Gila Monster at De Grazia Gallery.

Update:  I checked the hole in the wall a couple of days later and the Gila Monster was gone.

20 comments:

Jannie Funster said...

I'm so glad there is a movement and legislation to protect them!

Cute looking little gig. Or gal.

Nice to be back here, seeing your desert beauty again!

Brenda's Arizona said...

What caused you to walk over to the 'hole in the wall'? Did you notice movement? Great "discovery", and I'm glad you had your camera to share this with us.

Diane AZ said...

Brenda, I was checking out some subtle colors on the wall, possibly lichens. I was just lucky to notice the lizard, it didn't move at all.

Tes said...

What a sighting! Who would think such a cute looking creature is venomous. Good to know there is a move to protect it. Good capture, Diane! :)

betchai said...

gosh, beautiful capture Diane, i love its eyes and how it is hiding in that hole in the wall.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Diane, Looks like that Gila Monster has a nice home there.... He probably didn't appreciate the photos... ha

Great pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy

Gaelyn said...

Wow, that is SO awesome. I've never seen a gila monster. Sure glad AZ protects them. Beautiful and colorful creature.

Unknown said...

Eww, how scary! I'm so afraid of reptiles that I'd be screaming :( - an irrational phobia...

Stephanie said...

'gila' in Malay (our national language) means crazy. So crazy monster? This makes the lizard even more scary!

Jo said...

I'm so glad they're protected, Diane. Glorious creature.

rainfield61 said...

You have soptted the monster!!

This is your luck, but how about its?

It maybe lucky since you have not done one of those in the list.

By the way, "gila" means mad in Malaysia.

cieldequimper said...

What a great build up! I have a problem with snakes though... Shivers are running down my spine. Give me spiders any day.

Ezhilan said...

It's interesting to see the Gila Monster in it's natural habitat. I have never seen it's photo before. I like the gradual closeup of the photos.

•°°• IcyBC •°°• said...

Wow..what a great capture, Diane! His/her skin is amazing!

Ebie said...

Was it scary? But the monster does look like very harmless!

What a great find!

DoanLegacy said...

That's amazing find..You have good eyes..

ruthi said...

OMG... I didn't see it coming. I gave me some goosebumps. Nice one.

Lindy said...

EXCELLENT!! I have never seen one in the wild, but my hubby has.

Jen said...

Yikes!
Great find.

Ayie said...

ooops, scary!