Knowing how to survive a Komodo dragon attack can help save your life in case a Komodo dragon becomes aggressive toward you. Encountering these dragons can be terrifying, as they are the world’s largest, most powerful, and most dangerous lizard.
Here, we’ll teach you how to survive a Komodo dragon attack.
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How to Survive a Komodo Dragon Attack: Your Ultimate Survival Guide
What Are Komodo Dragons?
Komodo dragons are a type of lizard that have solid muscles and shark-like teeth. They are the heaviest and most giant lizards on Earth.
Adult Komodo dragons can weigh more than humans, as they can tip the scale around 150 to 200 pounds. They can also be longer than an average person, as a male Komodo dragon can stand 8.5 feet tall!
You may find Komodo dragons in Indonesia. They live on five islands in the southeastern part of the country, namely:
- Gili Montang
- Komodo
- Gili Dasami
- Rinca
- Flores
Komodo dragons are now listed as endangered since only less than 1,400 adult dragons remain in the world.
How to Survive a Komodo Dragon Attack?
1. Join a Group
When a Komodo dragon hunts, it looks for an easy target–one that is alone. So when you go on a tour to see these heavy lizards, be sure to stay with other individuals or with your group all the time.
If you plan to go to Komodo National Park, you may either request a park ranger or join a group tour.
Remember–the bigger your group, the lesser your chances of being attacked.
2. Stay On the Designated Path
You must stay on the park’s designated walking paths. This official trekking area tends to have high foot traffic, which Komodo dragons avoid.
In addition, staying along the trekking path puts you in a safer place. Since you are with park rangers and other tourists, some people can help you in case a Komodo dragon attacks.
Also, keep in mind that these creatures hide in bushes. If you do not notice them and you are in a dangerous area simultaneously, they will most likely attack you.
3. Keep Safe Distance
If you are too close to Komodo dragons, they might feel intimidated and frightened. In effect, they might strike you.
So keep your distance, and do not even attempt to go near them. You may still view the Komodo dragons from afar, keeping a respectful distance and not getting their attention.
4. Avoid Making Sudden Movements
Even if you are already far from the Komodo dragons, ensure that you move deliberately, steadily, and slowly.
Quick movements can disturb Komodo dragons and stimulate a response from them. Noises and actions can make them defensive and trigger their hunting instincts. So try to be still or take calculated footsteps if you do not wish to ignite an attack.
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5. Do Not Attract Attention to Yourself
Did you know that Komodo dragons have a strong sense of smell? Avoid wearing strong perfumes to visit these mighty lizards. Do not even attempt to put a cologne in your bag.
Furthermore, prevent yourself from getting injuries, as the Komodo dragons can smell blood. And when they smell blood, they think that it comes from their potential victim, triggering them to attack.
So if you have open wounds or your period, do not go anywhere near the dragons.
6. Do a Zig-Zag Run
If an aggressive dragon runs after you, do your best to outrun it.
Komodo dragons can run up to 13 miles per hour. Yes, that is a bit fast. But the good news is that they cannot run that fast for long.
So the key to surviving a Komodo dragon attack is to keep running. If you cannot run fast, do not worry! The dragon might get close to you, but you can still outrun it if you give everything you’ve got.
In addition, Komodo dragons only run in a straight pattern. They cannot easily change directions. So if you do a zig-zag run back and forth, they might not be able to follow you and eventually stop chasing you.
7. Climb the Stairs
If you see huts or stilt houses with stairs, use the stairs and remain there until the dragons pass by. Komodo dragons do not know how to walk up the stairs, so you are safe if you stay on a higher floor.
However, do not try to get away by climbing a tree. Young Komodo dragons live in trees to keep themselves safe from predators. So you may survive an attack from an adult dragon on the land, but you might get in trouble with a baby Komodo if you stay up in a tree.
8. Beat It Off
If a Komodo dragon attacks you, use your force to fight it off.
However, its scales are armor-like, so it might not feel anything if you punch or hit its body.
Use a rock or a tree branch instead to ward it off. Target its mouth, eyes, or nostrils, especially if you notice that it is about to bite you.
9. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If a Komodo bites you, calling for help must be your number one priority. It does not matter if the bite is big or small. As Komodo dragons have venomous and fatal bites, do not waste your time.
The bites of Komodo dragons create wounds that can lead to blood thinning and poisoning. This can cause you to bleed out for one to two days. This is why the sooner you get medical attention, the higher your chances of survival.
Check out this video by Komodo Labok to see how a Komodo dragon hunts a buffalo:
Since 1974, more than 30 people have been killed by Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park, five fatal.
So if you are planning to see these deadly lizards, ensure to follow the tips above so you can protect yourself and survive in case they attack.
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Do you have any other survival tips and proven tricks for surviving a Komodo dragon attack? How do you avoid it in the first place? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
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