The family Helodermatide, or the heloderms, is a very unique reptile family for two distinct reasons:

1) its members are the only venomous lizards alive, and

 
2) there are only two living species, the beaded lizard and the gila monster, which make up the entire family.

Gilas are found in the southwestern United States as well as Mexico, while the beadeds are strictly found in Latin America.

When it comes to captive propagation, Dr. Seward puts it best when he says “Gilas make hardy, undemanding captives,” but I think he left out how rewarding it is to own one. Please keep in mind that heloderms are not your “average” reptile, not only because of their venomous nature, but also because they are animals that enjoy privacy and do not particularly like being handled, although most will tolerate it. They also have a legendary reputation for being lazy, so I suggest that you check one out at a local zoo and see if it quenches your curiosity before you consider ownership.

The first thing that you need to find out, is whether or not it is legal to have one where you live, and if it is OK, then find out what kind of permits you need to keep one in captivity. For example here in Florida, you need to have a venomous reptiles permit and documentation that says your animal was captive bred. Keep in mind that YOU have to prove its legal status to Fish and Game, so make sure that you have the paperwork (which usually comes with the animal, if not before) and that it is legit. If all your ducks are in a row, than also consider the fact that this is a venomous reptile, and while it’s bite is rarely fatal, it does hurt like hell.

Where do I get a legal animal, and how do I know it is legal? First and foremost, it is important to know that there are only four ways of getting a heloderm;

1. Privately captive bred offspring;
2. From a zoo or zoo bred stock;
3. “Grandfathered” or having the heloderm before it was protected,
4. Or poaching a wild caught animal, which is extremely illegal since they are protected in all of their native lands by local and federal law.

There are many respectable dealers who often have gilas, but since gilas are so expensive, it unfortunately lures thieves, so here are some tips when searching in the private sector.

First off, NEVER send any $$ until you have a copy of the seller's drivers license (or some other form of proof of who they are) and a copy of the legal paperwork needed for the animal. Ask them, to either fax it or send it priority mail along with a picture of the animal.  Also make sure to get a phone number and a reference or two.

Never keep the business strictly online, take it in person, if you can, or on the phone, at least. If you talk to them about your concerns and get a line like “I have several people looking to buy it...” or they give you an attitude, go somewhere else, because you are probably going to get bucked some way or another. Remember, when Fish and Game comes knocking on your door, or, you just lost your $1000 or so dollars, who will be responsible? Not the guy who just sold you down the river, so buyer beware! Most people, who deal in heloderms, would rather sell to a responsible person that knows what they are getting into, and usually do not have a problem with your concerns.

From what I understand, Fish and Game has a 100% conviction rate, so in other words, make sure of the animal's status, not only because of the red tape involved, but also, wild populations will suffer from smuggling, as long as people are willing to buy illegal specimens.