When you hear the word “Komodo Dragon,” the first thing that comes to mind are storybooks, legends, and myths. These prehistoric creatures look like they belong to the Jurassic era. As fascinating as they sound, are Komodo Dragons dangerous?
Komodo dragons are scary venomous creatures. They can bite with a 500 to 600 PSI force (39 Newtons). Their venom is strong enough to kill animals and humans alike. The combination of this bite force with poison can make their attacks deadly. Besides, Komodo dragons can run as fast as 13 mph and catch their prey within minutes.
You wouldn’t want to get too close to a Komodo dragon, but you can watch them from a safe distance.
Do Komodo Dragons Pose Any Danger?
Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards.
These ferocious carnivores attack all types of wild animals. Their muscular and massive bodies and venomous bites allow them to take down even the largest prey, like buffaloes, pigs, and deer.
That’s not all. Komodo dragons can also attack humans, including children and adults. While they don’t actively attack humans, many have been reported. Some fatalities were recorded as well.
What makes these reptiles dangerous are their strong biting skills and venom, which is potent enough to kill prey in less than an hour.
Deadly Bites
Komodo dragons have a set of 60 serrated and sharp teeth that make their bite very powerful. Yet, when compared with other animals, their bite force is much weaker.
Typically, Komodo dragons can bite with a 500 to 600 psi force, but it can go as high as 1000 psi in rare cases.
A Komodo dragon’s head is not very strong. So, it produces this strong force with its muscular neck, body, and serrated teeth.
Their sharp and strong teeth can tear away pieces of the victim’s flesh. Even if a Komodo dragon’s bite isn’t too strong, it can cause excruciating pain.
These reptiles have a unique method of ripping apart the victim’s flesh. Komodo dragons use the bite-and-pull method to take solid and forceful bites.
Venomous Saliva
While a Komodo dragon bite isn’t enough to kill its prey, its venom ensures the outcome.
These outrageous reptiles are incredibly venomous. Their venom is strong enough to kill humans and animals within a few hours of an attack.
Komodo dragons deliver their venom by tearing the flesh and sending the victim into shock. This venom prevents clotting and widens the blood vessels. As a result, the victim dies of excessive bleeding. The victim may also go into shock.
The massive wounds Komodo dragons make can also quickly be infected and lead to death.
How Do Komodo Dragons Hunt?
A Komodo dragon’s strong sense of smell helps them to detect prey from miles away.
These amazing reptiles’ tongues can pick up air molecules, helping them understand the location and type of prey.
Once they have detected the prey, they reach close to the victim and camouflage nearby. Komodo dragons can stay hidden in their surroundings for several hours until they find the right time to attack.
They jump and attack the prey when it comes within close range. Sometimes they will disable the prey and eat it there and then.
Sometimes, even if the victim escapes, the venom doesn’t let it live for too long. So, Komodo dragons follow the dying victim with their strong smelling sense and catch the weakened animal.
Are Komodo Dragons a Danger to Humans?
Komodo dragons are fierce predators and hunters who hunt for survival. For them, everything is food, even humans.
These massive reptiles can take on giant animals, and humans are no different. So, they pose a grave danger to humans as well.
Fortunately enough, you won’t see Komodo dragons everywhere.
They are usually seen in Indonesia and nearby areas. But if you visit these islands, stay at a safe distance from Komodo dragons. Always remember; they can hunt humans.
Even if they live near and with humans, predator instincts stimulate them to attack. Komodo dragons’ attacks on humans, though rare, have been recorded. So, it’s best to watch out.
How to Stay Safe From a Komodo Dragon Attack?
Here are a few things to consider if you want to be around these fascinating reptiles safely.
1. Never Go Alone And Maintain a Safe Distance
Komodo dragons mostly attack isolated individuals, so always be sure to stay around people. Don’t stray off alone.
Additionally, never get too close to a Komodo dragon, as this can trigger them if they feel threatened. Also, try to avoid sudden movements as this can stimulate them.
2. Stick to the Path
If you’re in a park, always stay on the official tracks of the park. Don’t wander off to unknown places.
Komodo dragons can camouflage very well, putting you at risk of an unsuspected attack.
4. Run in a Zig-Zag Motion
If you happen to be chased by a Komodo dragon, run in a zig-zag motion.
By doing so, you increase your chances of running away. While they are faster than humans, reaching a top speed of 13 mph, they have low stamina.
Running zig-zag may tire the Komodo dragon, so it will likely give up following you.
5. Fight With Everything You Have
Try to save yourself from a Komodo dragon bite. They have armor-like scales, so you can’t hurt them much. Yet, try to aim for the nose, eyes, and inside of the mouth to keep Komodo dragons away.
Target with a stone or stick at the dragon’s face. Afterward, seek medical attention as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts on Are Komodo Dragons Dangerous
Komodo dragons are dangerous lizards. Their bites can kill animals and humans within hours.
We’re sure you don’t want to get bitten. While they are fascinating creatures, you should never forget that they are wild.
Always watch them safely, and remember never to get too close.
FAQS
Are Komodo Dragons Aggressive?
Komodo dragons are pretty aggressive and sometimes can attack even if unprovoked. They aren’t overly aggressive by nature, but their predator instinct usually causes them to attack.
Do Komodo Dragons Attack Humans?
Komodo dragons don’t usually actively attack humans, but there is a chance that they might. Some incidents of attacks have been reported and resulted in fatalities.
Can One Survive a Komodo Dragon Bite?
Very few people have been lucky enough to survive a Komodo dragon bite. While the bite isn’t strong enough to kill, the venom surely will. Komodo dragon’s poison can lead to infection and excessive bleeding. If you don’t seek medical attention, survival chances are minimal.
