10/02/2025
Did you know that Utah has an official monster—er, reptile? It's the Gila monster!
Here are 6 fascinating facts about this unique desert dweller:
Nature’s Artwork – Their bold black-and-orange patterns warn predators they’re venomous.
Medicine from Monsters – A compound in their venom inspired a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Slow and Steady – Despite their fierce look, they move slowly to conserve energy in the desert heat.
Southern Utah Neighbors – Gila monsters live only in Utah’s warm, rocky southern landscapes.
Hard to Spot – They spend up to 95% of their lives underground, making sightings rare.
Student Power – Fourth graders from Santa Clara helped make the Gila monster Utah’s state reptile in 2019.
Read the article below to learn more about Utah’s scaly ambassador.
Discover how the Gila monster became Utah’s state reptile and helped create a diabetes drug—an incredible tale of wildlife, medicine, and student activism.