Colorado man dead pet Gila monster bite

Colorado man dies after being bitten by pet Gila monster. Rare death sparks investigation. Girlfriend surrenders lizards and spiders.

A tragic incident has occurred in Colorado, where a man has passed away after being bitten by his pet Gila monster. This is a rare occurrence, as deaths caused by the venom of these desert lizards are uncommon. Christopher Ward, 34, was rushed to the hospital after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters on February 12. Despite being placed on life support, he tragically succumbed to the effects of the bite and passed away on Friday.

The circumstances surrounding Ward's death are shrouded in mystery, as Jefferson County coroner's officials have not yet confirmed whether the venom from the Gila monster was indeed the cause of death. Ward's girlfriend, who was present at the time of the incident, handed over the lizards to animal control officers the day after the bite. She recounted a harrowing experience, stating that she heard a strange noise and discovered the Gila monster latched onto Ward's hand. Shortly after the bite, Ward began exhibiting symptoms, including vomiting and eventually losing consciousness.

The couple had purchased the Gila monsters from different sources, with one acquired at a reptile exhibition in Denver and the other from a breeder in Arizona. It was later revealed that Gila monsters are illegal in Lakewood, prompting the woman to request their immediate removal from her home. Consequently, the lizards were sent to an animal sanctuary, while spiders found in the residence were taken to a nearby animal shelter.

Gila monsters are known for their venomous bite, which can cause extreme pain and loss of consciousness. However, fatalities resulting from their bites are exceedingly rare. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with keeping exotic pets and the importance of understanding the risks involved.