Page 144 - An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK)
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Gila monster
Y ou may not think that monsters exist, but there is one lurking
in the sandy deserts of Mexico and the USA. There’s no need
to worry, though, because the Gila (hee-luh) monster is actually a
lizard. Its skin is covered with what look like shiny, colorful beads, but
these are bony scales that protect it from bites.
The Gila sticks its tongue out to taste the air for food. Small animals
and bird eggs are its favorites. Luckily for its prey, the
Gila stores fat in its tail, a bit like a camel storing
fat in its hump. This means it may only need
to eat five or six times a year.
Gila monster,
Mexico and
southern US
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