Colorado authorities have confirmed the tragic death of a 34-year-old local resident four days after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters. The venomous reptiles, native to the southwestern United States, are not typically lethal to humans, but the victim’s demise has raised questions about a potential allergic reaction.
The last recorded human death from a Gila monster bite dates back to 1930, according to Dr. Nick Brandehoff, a medical toxicologist and reptile expert who spoke with CBS News Colorado. Dr. Brandehoff emphasized that the majority of bites result in local swelling and bleeding, underscoring the unusual nature of this incident.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, owned two of these carnivorous reptiles. Gila monsters, recognized as the largest lizards in the country, can grow up to approximately 22 inches (56cm) in length, according to the Smithsonian Institution. The creature responsible for the incident was a juvenile measuring about 12 inches long.
After being bitten on Monday, February 12, the victim was promptly taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to the effects of the bite on the following Friday. The Jefferson County coroner’s office has conducted an autopsy, with additional toxicology testing underway to ascertain the precise cause of death.
Ownership of Gila monsters without a license is illegal in the state of Colorado. The victim was reported to also own tarantulas, which are not subject to legal restrictions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife criminal investigators have been tasked with removing the two Gila monsters from the residence. These desert-dwelling lizards will be relocated to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in another state.
In an effort to gain insights into the rare fatality, the Gila monster that delivered the fatal bite will be transported to a lab at the University of Northern Colorado this week. There, researchers will extract and study its venom to better understand the factors contributing to the tragic outcome.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting the potential dangers associated with venomous animals, as highlighted by Dr. Brandehoff. The investigation continues as authorities seek to unravel the circumstances surrounding this uncommon and unfortunate event.
