In a tragic incident, a 34-year-old Colorado man, Christopher Ward, succumbed to the bite of his pet Gila monster, raising concerns about the potential lethality of the creature's venom. The incident occurred on February 12, when Ward was bitten by one of his two Gila monsters, leading to his hospitalization. Despite being placed on life support, Ward passed away on Friday, as confirmed by Lakewood Police Department spokesman John Romero.
The circumstances surrounding Ward's death are currently under investigation, with Jefferson County coroner's officials refraining from commenting on the specific cause. It remains unclear whether the fatality resulted from the Gila monster's venom or was attributed to another medical condition.
Ward's girlfriend, who witnessed the incident, recounted the harrowing experience to authorities. She reported hearing a disturbing sound and discovered Winston, one of the Gila monsters, latched onto Ward's hand. Subsequently, Ward displayed immediate symptoms, including severe vomiting, loss of consciousness, and cessation of breathing.
The girlfriend revealed that they acquired Winston at a reptile exhibition in Denver in October and obtained Potato from an Arizona breeder in November. Notably, Gila monsters are prohibited in Lakewood, prompting the girlfriend to express a desire to remove them from her residence.
Additionally, 26 spiders of various species found in the home were transferred to a nearby animal shelter.
Gila monsters, venomous reptiles native to the southwestern U.S. and parts of Mexico, are known for causing intense pain with their bites. While their venom can induce loss of consciousness, fatalities are rare. This incident prompts a closer examination of the potential risks associated with keeping such exotic pets and the importance of adhering to local regulations.
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