Are lizards venomous?
Generally not, though lizards can and do bite when they are threatened The exceptions are two closely related species: the Gila monster and the beaded lizard. These live in the deserts of Arizona and Mexico (though they do not make it to the San Diego or Baja California areas). You can’t mistake these lizards for anything else. They are big, heavy lizards with round scales like beads, and are patterned in orange and black. They will not chase people, but they can bite with great speed and strength when they are threatened. The bite is painful, and the venom is enough to make most people feel sick for a while. Never try to pick one up, as this is how most people get bitten. No other lizards are venomous. Period. Their bites can hurt, though, so it’s best to leave them alone.
