In reality, not only animals but humans can also fall victim to the Komodo dragon. According to statistics, there have been 12 recorded attacks on humans since 2010, and if the opportunity for treatment is missed, the victims are left to await the spread of venom until death.
The Komodo dragon inhabits three small islands in Indonesia and is currently the largest lizard species on Earth. When fully grown, they can reach lengths of up to 3 meters, weigh nearly 100 kg, and live for up to 50 years. Their tails measure about 1 meter in length, their limbs are thicker than those of humans, and their heads are the size of a soccer ball. As carnivores, Komodo dragons possess a long tongue measuring 30 cm and 60 sharp teeth that can grow up to 2.8 cm long.
The ancestors of the Komodo dragon were “ancient lizards” that existed 4 million years ago, living in Southern Australia, with body lengths reaching up to 7 meters and weights up to 1,200 kg, truly giants in every sense…
They primarily feed on wild boar and buffalo, often employing ambush tactics by lying in wait in the grass. Once a wild boar appears, they charge to knock it down and bite it to death with their massive, venom-filled mouths. They hold onto the wild boar’s neck until it is completely dead, a process that takes less than 3 minutes, demonstrating the true strength of the Komodo dragon.
Notably, the Komodo dragon is not a picky eater; they frequently consume carrion and sometimes dive into the water to hunt large fish. Their food intake is quite astonishing; they can consume up to 80% of their body weight in a single meal, which means they do not need to eat frequently and can sustain themselves by eating only 12 times a year.
Although they are not as large as ancient lizards, they can reach lengths of about 3 meters, and their growth cycle is very long, continuing to grow for the first 25 years of their lives, showcasing the immense power of the Komodo dragon.
The Komodo dragon is the largest venomous animal in the world, with venom that is extremely dangerous. It is said that the lethality of their venom can be comparable to that of a cobra. So what happens if a human is bitten by them?
1. The venom in a Komodo dragon’s mouth is extremely dangerous
The most frightening aspect of the Komodo dragon is its ability to secrete a type of highly dangerous venom. They have two venom glands in their jaws, and this venom contains various toxic proteins that can cause blood clotting, difficulty breathing, and ultimately unconsciousness once it enters an animal’s body.
Remarkably, their limbs are extremely strong, capable of easily overpowering an adult buffalo while hunting, showcasing their immense fighting capability.
Most terrifyingly, the venom of the Komodo dragon has a high diffusion rate; in simple terms, once they bite their prey, the venom rapidly spreads throughout the entire body, causing the prey to die quickly.
Researchers have discovered that the toxicity of the Komodo dragon is still very potent; just 4 mg can immobilize a human, while 30 mg can easily kill a buffalo. All the venom stored in their bodies can even kill 40 animals at once.
2. The saliva of the Komodo dragon contains a lot of bacteria
Some wild animals have excellent resistance to venom, such as wild boars that can survive cobra bites, so how do Komodo dragons deal with wild boars? The answer lies in their saliva. Because Komodo dragons never clean their mouths and often consume carrion, their saliva is teeming with bacteria, making it one of their most dangerous weapons.
Komodo dragons may seem bulky, but they can run very quickly, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h. Additionally, their movements are very agile, with limbs that are highly flexible, allowing them to move swiftly while hunting.
Because the bacteria can infect the wounds of their prey, even if the prey is not poisoned, it will likely die from septicemia. Furthermore, zoologists speculate that the islands where Komodo dragons live have many medium-sized water holes, which also contain deadly bacteria. If an animal bitten by a Komodo dragon passes through these areas, it will undoubtedly suffer severe infections.
Therefore, under the dual infection of bacteria, no prey can escape. However, the good news is that the wounds inflicted by Komodo dragons are quite wide and easier to clean than those caused by venomous snakes, so if a human is bitten and receives immediate first aid, their life is not at risk.
3. The bite of a Komodo dragon can feel like being stabbed by a knife
In addition to the venom and bacteria in their mouths, Komodo dragons have a secret weapon: their serrated teeth. Although their bite force is not high, these teeth are incredibly sharp, measuring 2.8 cm in length and shaped like hooks. Once they bite their prey, they can even leave marks on the bones and deliver a fatal blow to the animal.
It is said that juvenile Komodo dragons can stand on their hind legs, but they become too heavy to do so as adults.
The most frightening aspect is that Komodo dragons possess a very strong tearing force, capable of easily ripping the skin of their prey. Additionally, due to their uneven teeth, they can inflict severe pain on their prey. This can also cause the wounds to bleed, slowing down the prey’s escape, ultimately leading them to become food for the Komodo dragon. Notably, Komodo dragons frequently replace their teeth without fear of wear, which is why many zoologists refer to them as “land sharks.”
Moreover, according to descriptions from those who have been bitten by Komodo dragons: Initially, the bite does not hurt; it only feels numb, but then the pain gradually intensifies, and the body becomes unable to withstand it. Without strong willpower, a person might faint from the pain.
