Christopher Ward, 34, of Colorado, died Friday after being bitten by his pet dog, Winston, CNN reported.

One of Ward's two Gila monsters (large venomous lizards that are illegal to keep as pets in Colorado) bit him on the hand on February 12, leaving him in critical condition. The media reported that. I got it.. he was taken to the hospital. There, he was placed on life support, according to CNN. (Related: Florida man finds angry iguana in bathroom)

Ward's symptoms included repeated vomiting and loss of consciousness, according to an animal control report cited by CNNy. Ward's girlfriend told Lakewood Police Department Animal Control Officer Leesha Crookston that she was in another room at the time of the attack and didn't know why the animal bit Ward, but that Ward's voice sounded “funny.” He said he noticed. He tried to say something, the newspaper noted.

CNN, citing Crookston, reported that Ward was declared “brain dead” after arriving at the hospital. The exact cause of Ward's death has not yet been released, the newspaper said.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office explained that it is waiting for additional toxicology tests to be completed before making an official announcement, CBS News report.

Monster pet Gila monster bites Colorado man, dies in what experts call a 'rare event' https://t.co/LLXHBBHQoI pic.twitter.com/j2uui9jLT6

— CBS Colorado (@CBSNewsColorado) February 20, 2024

CNN reported that Ward's two lizards, Winston and Potato, were removed from the home and officials plan to move the reptiles to the South Dakota Zoo. Police also removed 26 spiders of various species that Ward kept as pets from the house, the newspaper reported.

according to denver postColorado requires a permit to keep a dog bear in captivity, and such permits are only issued to zoos.

“The Gila monster's bite is very strong, and it may not release its grip for several seconds. The venom may penetrate deep into the wound. Gila monster bites are painful for humans, but they are not fatal. Almost none,” says San Diego Zoo I got it. In a press release about lizard species.

Dr. Nick Brandehoff told CBS News that the last known case of a human being bitten by the Doctrine monster was in 1930, but noted that the incident has not been verified in medical journals.