Gila monsters are fascinating reptiles native to North America and Central America. They are known for their distinctive black and orange or pink markings and their thick, pebble-like scales called osteoderms. These lizards can grow up to 22.5 inches long and weigh between three and five pounds. Gila monsters have a venomous bite, which is painful but not usually deadly to humans. They use their forked tongues to pick up scents and find food, and their thick tails store fat to help them survive during tough times. Gila monsters live in deserts and grasslands, often in burrows, and can hibernate for long periods. They are carnivorous, eating bird eggs, small mammals, other lizards, frogs, insects, and scavenged dead animals. While they have few natural predators, humans and domestic animals pose significant threats. Gila monsters are illegal to handle without special permission in several US states due to their venomous bite. If you encounter one in the wild, it's best to leave it alone and call local authorities if necessary. Gila monsters do not make good pets as they require specialized care. In zoos, experts provide them with the proper habitat and diet, such as hard-boiled eggs and mice. Native American cultures have various spiritual beliefs and myths about Gila monsters, some of which attribute healing properties to their skin. Despite their fearsome reputation, Gila monsters play an important role in medical research. A component of their venom, Exendin-4, is used in a drug called Byetta to help people with type 2 diabetes.