DEFENSE mECHANISMS:

        Many species do not use the Gila Monster as a food source.  This is because the Gila Monster has many defense mechanisms.  They contain bony osteoderms all over their skin which protects them from many sharp-teethed predators.  The Gila Monster is venomous, so it can paralyze or even kill attacking predators.  Gila Monsters are also immune to venom.  Predators, like the rattlesnake have little affect on them due to this immunity.  Predation of Gila Monsters most commonly occur to the immature youngsters.  Gila Monsters do not use their venom to catch food, but usually just for defense.  Their intention is to not kill but to scare the enemy.

Gila Crossing:

The biggest predators of the Gila

Monsters are us Humans.  Their

most common death is getting

killed by cars while crossing the

roads.  Humans also destroy

their habitats by building houses

and expanding cities.