Komodo Dragons Kill Indonesian Fisherman

An Indonesian fisherman foraging for fruit was mauled to death by two Komodo dragons after falling from a sugar-apple tree.

According to reports, the two Komodo dragons, largest of the lizard species, attacked the man while he was collecting fruit on one of four islands inhabited by the giant beasts. Thirty-one year old Muhamad Anwar was bleeding extensively from multiple bites to his hands, body, neck, and lower extremities, according to a witness. Anwar was taken to a nearby clinic, but died as a result of his wounds a short while later. Although attacks by the giant lizard are generally considered rare, this latest incident comes on the heels of several other reported attacks in recent months. In 2007, an eight year old boy died after being mauled by a Komodo. Komodo dragons have been known to grow up to three meters (10 feet) in length. Their bite contains a toxin capable of killing prey the size of a wild Buffalo. Mr. Anwar was trespassing at the time of the attack. Loh Sriaya, in eastern Indonesia's Komodo National Park, is off limits to visitors.