The Gila monster had different meanings according to tribal traditions. The Apache tribe believed that its breath could kill a man and the Pima believed that it possessed a spiritual power that could cause sickness but the Seri and the Yaqui tribes believed that the hide of the Gila monster had healing properties. Venom from the Gila Monster was used to poison darts and arrows to deadly effect – refer to Bows and Arrows – Poisoned Arrows.