Thief hid venomous lizard under shirt

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A Colorado pet store owner says a man who stole a $1,200 lizard by hiding it under his shirt may not know the animal is venomous.

Ron Beall, owner of Scales and Trails in Lakewood, said security cameras recorded a man entering the store Friday and taking Grumpy the Gila monster by hiding the reptile under his shirt, KUSA-TV, Denver, reported Monday.

Beall said Gila monsters are venomous and the man could require hospitalization if bitten. Beall said he is hoping Grumpy will soon be returned because he is being treated for a sickness that prevents him from eating on his own.