A gila monster is a type of lizard. Its skin has black, pink, orange, and yellow spots on it. A gila monster is poisonous. It has venom like a snake. It uses its venom when it chews its food.

A gila monster also uses its venom when it feels threatened. First, it will back away from the other animal or person and hiss like a snake. Then it will bite. A gila monster's venom is strong enough to kill a small animal. The venom is not strong enough to kill a person.

A gila monster can be found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. During the winter, it hibernates and sleeps like a bear. The gila monster also hibernates during the middle of the day in summer. When it hibernates, the gila monster burrows. This means it will dig a hole underground. A gila monster moves very slowly and is heavy. It can grow up to two feet long.