A word about regulations involving Gila monsters is appropriate. Gila monsters are protected throughout their range in the U.S. and Mexico. Although there is no U.S. Federal regulation controlling the trade or possession of Gila monsters, individual states or local jurisdictions may have regulations affecting their possession. All states where they naturally occur (Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and Utah) currently require permits for all activities involving these protected lizards. For example, California currently provides a permit system allowing private individuals to possess Reticulated Gila Monsters, Heloderma s. suspectum. However, the possession of Banded Gila Monsters, Heloderma s. cinctum is prohibited (cinctum naturally occurs in California). I am aware of a couple of individuals in New Mexico that have been issued permits to keep captive produced Gilas within the state. However, in the other three states, I am not aware of any private individuals that have received permits for the possession of Gilas, although permits are issued for legitimate scientific purposes.

The regulations in other regions of the country vary from state to state. The state Fish and Wildlife or Fish and Game departments are usually the agencies to contact for information about current regulations.

In addition to state regulations, there may be local jurisdictions that regulate Gila monsters. For example, in my state of Colorado there are no state regulations controlling the trade or possession of Gila monsters. However, if I lived within the city limits of Colorado Springs, I would need a permit to legally keep Gilas.

Be certain to check with the appropriate state and local authorities before attempting to acquire Gila monsters. Also, be aware that regulations involving reptiles are frequently changing around the country.

International trade in Gila monsters is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES, pronounced “site— ease”). Gila monsters are currently listed as Appendix II. Species listed on Appendix II are those not considered threatened now with extinction, but could become threatened unless their trade is strictly regulated. For international trade the originating country issues a CITES permit. In the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services issues the permits only if documentation is provided proving legal origin—including a complete paper trail back to legal founder animals. In addition to the CITES permits, anyone shipping reptiles out of the country is required to have an import/export license, also acquired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Management Authority, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203, 1-800-358-2104 for more information.

CITES permits are required for international trade in Gila monsters.