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How to Acquire
Gila monsters do not make good “pets”. However, they can be ideal captives for the serious herp enthusiast. In fact, many of the characteristics that make them ideally suited for their environmental niche also make them well suited for the captive environment. They generally make undemanding captives.
Gilas are protected throughout their range and cannot legally be taken from the wild. There are, however, animals being removed from the wild illegally that show up in the trade. Avoid acquiring any animal unless you have proof that it is legally captive bred. Not only will you avoid the potential legal implications of dealing with poached animals, but also you will increase your chance of successful propagation—captive bred Gilas are more likely to breed in captivity than animals taken from the wild.
There are several reputable sources for captive-bred Gila monsters. I always recommend acquiring hatchlings and raising them yourself. That way you can be more certain of the origin of the animals, you have complete control over their environment, and you are not inheriting someone else’s failures. The main disadvantage, if your intent is to breed them, is waiting 2 ½ years or longer for them to become sexually mature.
You can be successful breeding Gilas with only a single pair. However, you increase your chances for success significantly with a larger group. I consider a group of about eight animals to be a good-sized breeding group.
If you are considering acquiring a Gila monster, consider the following steps:
1. GROW UP!. Seriously, even though there is no reliable case of a human death from a Gila monster bite, they are venomous and sales will only be made to responsible adults.
2. CHECK YOUR LOCAL REGULATIONS. It is your responsibility to check all applicable regulations, state and local. Sales will not knowingly be made in violation of any laws or regulations.
3. COMPLETE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Click here to download a purchase agreement in PDF format, fill it out and mail it to me with your deposit. Adobe Reader is required to view and print this document. If you don't have Adobe Reader installed on your computer click here (it's free).
If you are purchasing from available stock, a completed Purchase Agreement is required also. It simply lets me know the terms of sale are understood and makes sure I have current and accurate information for shipping etc. Complete the form and mail it with your money order. Send all payments to:
Dr. Mark Seward
4420 Wavy Oak Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
The highest quality babies of both subspecies are usually spoken for well before hatching. If you are interested in the most outrageous looking Gila monsters, deposits are encouraged. Deposits of 25% of the purchase price will reserve hatchlings and are accepted starting in January of the hatch year. For international sales, a 50% deposit is required.