Have You Seen One Yet? 🦎

Hey Everyone,

If you’ve spent enough time hiking around Cave Creek and Carefree, you’ve probably seen your fair share of desert wildlife… coyotes, javelina, maybe even a bobcat.

But one local celebrity that most people haven’t seen? The Gila monster.

I’ll admit—this is one of the few native animals out here that I still haven’t seen in person… and I’d actually love to. (From a respectful distance, of course.)

Gila monsters are pretty unique:

• They’re one of only a few venomous lizards in the world
• Usually found in desert washes, rocky foothills, and near burrows
• Most active in spring and early summer mornings or evenings (before it gets too hot)
• They can live a surprisingly long time—20+ years in the wild
• And despite their size, they don’t eat often… mostly eggs, small rodents, birds, and reptiles

And here’s the part that usually surprises people…

They’re not very dangerous.

Gila monsters are slow, shy, and would much rather avoid you altogether. Bites are extremely rare and almost always happen when someone tries to handle one (not recommended as a hobby).

So the rule is simple:
👉 If you see one, enjoy the moment… and let it go about its business.

Honestly, spotting one in the wild around here is kind of like winning the desert wildlife lottery.

I’ve gone over eight years without seeing one… at this point I’m starting to think they’re just really committed to avoiding me personally.

Have a great weekend!

Dr Ring

PS: Start your weekend pain-free! We open at 8am Friday and have spots available for an adjustment. Call 480-488-1282 to schedule, or just walk in.

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