Watch an Unlucky Monkey Make One Misstep and Get Mauled by Komodo Dragons

A recent viral video features a group of Komodo dragons pouncing on a monkey as it made one wrong move while attempting to flee its predators. The unlucky monkey jumped to a higher tree branch to escape the Komodo dragons below and completely missed, falling to the ground and, ultimately, its death. One dragon lunged toward the monkey, and three others eventually joined in and mauled it, tearing it apart and eating it alive. As the clip below shows, the monkey was unable to escape the deadly attack.

Watch the Action Now

How Fast Are Komodo Dragons?

Komodo dragons can run up to 13 mph. As shown in the video above, Komodo dragons — which are found in Asia — are incredibly fast. This makes it easy for them to attack their prey before they have the chance to fight back. Not only that, but Komodo dragons have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which help them quickly obliterate their prey. What really seals the deal (or meal) is that the Komodo dragon has a venom gland in its lower jaw, which injects venom into its prey when it bites.

How Big Are Komodo Dragons?

​​Komodo dragons are the largest living lizard, reaching over 10 feet in length and around 360 pounds in weight. They are also extremely powerful, with thick bodies, muscular legs, and strong tails. They also have sharp and curved claws, grayish-brown skin, small scales, folds around the neck, and small heads.

What Are Komodo Dragons’ Main Prey?

An adult Komodo dragon’s main prey are pigs, deer, water buffalo, monkeys, goats, wild boars, and rodents. Younger Komodo dragons typically feast on small lizards, insects, snakes, and birds. They are actually known to be apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. 

How Do Komodo Dragons Attack Prey?

Because Komodo dragons are ambush predators, they sneak up on their prey before striking. As shown in the video above, Komodo dragons often hunt in groups, with one or two stalking their prey. Once the prey is in a vulnerable spot, the Komodo dragon will ambush them as a team, using their strong jaws, sharp teeth, and venom to kill.