A bizarre incident in Lakewood has claimed the life of a 34-year-old man who was bitten by his pet Gila monster, which has raised additional concerns about the risks associated with keeping venomous animals as household pets.

Christopher Ward's painful death following the bite from his pet Gila monster serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by exotic animals in domestic settings.

Ward's ordeal began on February 12th when he was bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters, leading to a rapid deterioration in his health. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Ward was soon placed on life support and quickly succumbed to poisonous the bite.

The circumstances surrounding Ward's death, including the exact cause attributed to the Gila monster's venom, remain under investigation by Jefferson County coroner's officials.

While the specific details are yet to be disclosed, the swift and severe reaction exhibited by Ward after the bite underscores the potential dangers associated with keeping venomous reptiles like Gila monsters in close proximity to Lakewood families.

According to reports from Lakewood Police Department spokesman John Romero, Ward's girlfriend recounted a chilling scene where she discovered the Gila monster latched onto Ward's hand, prompting a cascade of alarming symptoms that culminated in his tragic passing.

The swift onset of symptoms, including vomiting and loss of consciousness, painted a grim picture of the lethal consequences of the Gila monster bite.

Ward had acquired the Gila monsters, named Winston and Potato, from a reptile exhibition and a breeder, respectively, which raises questions about the legality and responsibility of owning such dangerous animals.

Despite the woman's acknowledgment that Gila monsters were prohibited in Lakewood, the decision to bring these venomous creatures into a residential setting resulted in a fatal outcome that could have been prevented.

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Authorities have since collaborated with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to relocate the Gila monsters to a specialized facility in South Dakota, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and exotic animals.

Gila monsters, known for their venomous nature and native habitats in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with keeping wildlife in domestic environments.