Lizard-like Robot Could Help Prevent Catastrophes in the Navy

A venture capitalist endorsed three devices that could benefit the military, which has caught the Navy's attention. A Colorado man's Gila monster pet fatally bit him, reviving debate about the wisdom of owning the venomous lizard species as pets. The man's death was the first from a Gila monster bite in nearly a century, shedding light on the excruciating pain and venom associated with their bite. Despite their striking color patterns and typically easygoing personality, some experts question the wisdom of keeping Gila monsters as pets. The man's girlfriend reported that within minutes of being bitten, he started vomiting and couldn't breathe, ultimately leading to his death. Colorado requires a permit to keep a Gila monster, but regulations vary by state. Some states prohibit keeping them as pets, while others require permits. Gila monsters are sold for $1,200 and up, and while some may be caught from the wild, habitat loss remains their biggest threat. Gila monsters spend most of their time underground and rely on their venom for defense, striking only when provoked. The last known person to die from a Gila monster bite had an underlying health condition, raising questions about whether the venom was the sole cause of death.

Debate on Gila Monster Ownership

The Colorado man's tragic death has reignited the discussion surrounding the propriety of keeping Gila monsters as pets. While these creatures possess striking color patterns and generally placid dispositions, the potential dangers associated with their venomous bites prompt experts to question their suitability as domesticated animals.