News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Man Bitten By Mexican Beaded Lizard (Update 2)

Man Bitten By Mexican Beaded Lizard (Update 2)

Airlifted to Venom ER at Loma Linda University Medical Center

By Michael P. Neufeld
Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Update 2 - Tuesday 5:30 a.m.

Loma Linda, CA - The unidentified man bitten by a poisonous Mexican Beaded Lizard was airlifted to Loma Linda University's Emergency Department Venom ER. He was initially transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital by Big Bear City Fire personnel.

One of the nation's foremost authorities on venomous bites—Dr. Sean Bush—heads the Venom ER at Loma Linda.

Hospital authorities declined to provide information on the condition of the patient due to confidentiality laws.

Update – Monday 4:10 p.m.

View Alert

Big Bear City, CA – An unidentified man was transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital Monday afternoon by Big Bear City paramedics after being bitten by a pet Mexican Beaded Lizard.

Firefighters received a 911 call about 2:30 p.m. regarding an exotic lizard bite to a motorist on Highway 38, east of Onyx Summit.

Emergency personnel located a car traveling up bound on Highway 38 where the driver was displaying a bite on his left hand.

The exotic lizard was reportedly a family pet and was traveling in a plastic container in the vehicle. The owner reached in the container to steady an item and the lizard apparently latched onto his hand. He was transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital.

The base color of a Mexican Beaded Lizard is black, with yellow bands or patches. The adult lizard ranges from 24 inches to 36 inches in length. (Photo by Tim Vickers/Wikimedia Commons.)

The Mexican Beaded Lizard has one close living relative, the Gila monster. It is much larger than the Gila monster, which only reaches lengths of 12 inches to 16 inches (41 cm).

The venom glands of these lizards are modified salivary glands located in the animal's lower jaw. Each gland has a separate duct leading to the base of its grooved teeth. When biting, the beaded lizard hangs on its victim and chews in order to get its venomous saliva into the wound. Although its jaw grip is strong its unsocketed teeth are easily broken off at their bases. The beaded lizard's venom is a weak hemotoxin and although human deaths are rare, it can cause respiratory failure.

A specialized predator that feeds primarily upon eggs, the primary use of its venom is still a source of debate among scientists. However, this venom has been found to contain several enzymes useful for manufacturing drugs in the treatment of diabetes, and research on the pharmacological use of its venom is ongoing.

The beaded lizard also has a short tail, which is used to store fat so the animal can survive during months of estivation. Unlike many other lizards, this tail does not autotomize and cannot grow back if broken.

The beaded lizard is a specialized vertebrate nest predator feeding primarily on reptile and bird eggs. A semi-arboreal species, it is found climbing deciduous trees in search of prey when encountered above ground. It will occasionally prey upon small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, and insects.

Original Story

Onyx Summit, CA - A unidentified man was transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital after being bitten on the left hand by a poisonous Mexican Beaded Lizard.

Mexican Beaded Lizards are quite unique among reptiles. It is one of two species of venomous lizards in the family Helodermatidae. In many locations a permit is required to have one of the lizards in captivity. (Photo by PiccoloNamek/Wikimedia Commons.)

Paramedics treated the man in the field before taking him to the hospital for additional treatment.

At one point, officials ordered an airship to take the patient off to an undisclosed hospital but changed their minds after examining the man.

The patient, according to scanner transmissions, complained of pain down his arm and was cramping.

Most exotic pet stores display the following warning: "CAUTION: These are VENOMOUS LIZARDS!"

In many areas, these lizards may only be kept with a license.

The incident was reported about 2:40 p.m. and the patient was reported on his way to the hospital at 3:10 p.m.

This article was first published on Monday, July 27, 2009 at 3:17 pm. This article has been viewed 3195 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.