Details of the illegally maintained Gila monster that bit the man who died are available here

CNN reports that a horrifying occurrence occurred in which a 34-year-old man from Lakewood, Colorado, died after being bitten by a Gila monster that he kept as an illegal pet. Two of these deadly lizards were kept at the home of Lakewood homeowner Christopher Ward, in contravention of local ordinances.

On February 12, when one of the Gila monsters bit into Ward’s hand, his condition deteriorated. His partner quickly called 911 shortly before midnight that day after realizing how dangerous the situation was. She described how she had discovered Ward in the chamber where they were kept, with one of the poisonous animals attached to his hand.

After the bite, Ward became unwell very soon, throwing up many times before passing out. When she heard strange noises, his girlfriend—who was in another room—became worried and hurried to check on Ward.

Ward was quickly taken to a nearby hospital after the emergency call, where he was given life support. Sadly, on February 16, he was deemed brain dead and died in spite of medical interventions.

It is illegal to keep Gila monsters as pets within the municipal borders of Lakewood, according to city authorities. The poisonous lizards that were discovered in Ward’s home have been securely moved to a South Dakota wildlife park. Ward’s residence also had 26 spiders taken out that he had kept as pets.

The poisonous Gila monster, formally named Heloderma suspectum, is indigenous to the northwest region of Mexico and the southwestern United States. Although the majority of the proteins and enzymes in their venom are meant to immobilize prey, these normally sluggish reptiles seldom ever kill their victims. The event is a clear warning about the possible risks involved with owning poisonous and illegal animals as pets.