gila monster
After another web search and a round of questioning Vero, here is a pic of our latest visitor. After 15 years of visiting Yelapa, I had no idea we had Gila Monsters living here. The Spanish name is Escorpión. Yelapense tell me it very common to see them this time of year, close to the first rains. Here is a good article to spruce up on your Gila info. One thing I’ve learned in life is when an animal doesn’t run from you, chances are it’s very skilled at defense. I love this quote…
Dr. Ward, of Phoenix, an old practitioner in the valley, says: “I have never been called to attend a case of Gila monster bite, and I don’t want to be. I think a man who is fool enough to get bitten by a Gila monster ought to die. The creature is so sluggish and slow of movement that the victim of its bite is compelled to help largely in order to get bitten.” 1899
Now don’t go and let your imagination get away from you! You are not going to run into one of these on your visit to Yelapa. I have one more animal story in me that I’ll save for tomorrow.