"Untouchable" pets are growing in popularity, and Jules Sylvester has some of the rarest specimens in the world. He introduced this one to the America Now film crew.
"The Mexican Beaded lizard is the largest venomous lizard in the world," he says. "It's a cousin to the Gila monster and this is a large male. He doesn't have a name...he doesn't need one," says Jules.
Jules handles the giant lizard by the tail.
"It's not a fast-moving lizard. They breed very well in captivity," says Jules. "They're expensive. A young one, is about $1,500. If you're going to get this venomous lizard, you must have had some professional training. And you must have a knowledge of what you're dealing with!"
The Mexican Beaded lizard has massive claws and a painful bite.
"They will lock onto you like a pit bull, and they chew and they chew and they chew. And the saliva, a.k.a. venom, pours down the side of the jaw into your wound, and he keeps chewing," warns Jules.
These animals will last 30 years or more. They eat dead rats, baby rats and eggs.
You don't need a permit to own a Mexican Beaded lizard in most states, but Jules is clear about the dangers of owning such a venomous animal.
"This is not a pet you should be walking around with," says Jules. "This is a very, very dangerous, possibly lethal animal. So it should be kept in confinement, in a nice arrangement where it's healthy for the animal and safe for you. I would recommend a lizard like this, keep it indoors. Watch the temperature. Don't get above 90. The habitat in your house should be fairly substantial, four-by-four, which should be the minimum. Lots of sand, lots of rock piles, lots of log piles. Give them a place to hide. They like a place to hide."
And most importantly?
"Leave them alone," says Jules. "Just admire him for what he is!"
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