Gila monsters do not deliver their poison like this. Rather, Gila monsters have venom ducts that open up near the base of their teeth. With its strong jaw and sharp teeth, the Gila monster chews and tears when it bites. Grooves on the outside of the teeth direct the flow of venom toward the wound. Gila monsters do bite people although this is rare and usually not fatal.
Most bites occur when people handle the animals carelessly.
Common symptoms of the bite include pain, reduced blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. Gila monster venom can affect the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. The venom contains enzymes and other chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and heart and respiratory problems. These chemicals may contribute to the pain caused by a Gila monster bite. I play basketball at least once a week.