I found this unfortunate situation last night on a survey of a natural area. It’s a young Gila Monster who’d died within the last few weeks, based on its condition.
This is at a group aestivation site used by at least two other Gilas in the summer months. Tucked into the side of a rocky arroyo directly above a spot that catches and holds moisture, this is usually a place that can be relied on to wait out the heat before the monsoon comes. In addition to Gila Monsters, I’ve seen two species of rattlesnakes, a variety of harmless species of snakes, and a mountain lion taking advantage of the spot.
But this year has been bad. I think what happened here is just failure. Having made it to the usual summer retreat means it’s probably not from an injury, and the location would take poison off the list of possibilities. This last Spring was incredibly dry, and the area is missing much of the typical ground cover. This can impact temperatures and food availability, and this little one just wasn’t able to get through it.
The other two were nowhere to be found, and weren’t in the other spot they sometimes use, either. Hoping for the best.
