Quick Take
- Komodo dragons look slow and lumbering, but their actual top speed will make you rethink standing anywhere near one. See their surprising speed →
- Most people don't know Komodo dragons have venom glands, which is just one reason their bite is far more dangerous than it looks. Discover the venom danger →
- Jay Brewer looks relaxed as the dragon moves toward him, but there's a critical reason that comfort level shouldn't be mistaken for safety. Watch Jay Brewer's encounter →
- A Komodo dragon in an enclosure and one actively on the move are two completely different animals, and the video makes that difference impossible to ignore. See the dragon in motion →
There are big lizards, and then there are Komodo dragons. As the largest living lizard species on Earth, these reptiles can reach impressive sizes and have the claws, teeth, and sheer strength to match.
That makes the encounter in the video below pretty hard to look away from. The clip comes from Jay Brewer, founder of The Reptile Zoo and the face behind Jay Prehistoric Pets. Brewer has spent decades working with reptiles, but even with plenty of experience, a Komodo dragon moving in your direction is going to command your attention.
A Komodo Dragon on the Move
At the beginning of the short clip, a large Komodo dragon is perched on a thick tree limb. Its powerful claws grip the bark as it works its way along the branch.
As Brewer talks nearby, the dragon turns its attention toward him and begins making its way back down. That is when the size of the animal really becomes apparent. Komodo dragons are not oversized versions of the little lizards you might see running across a patio. They are heavy-bodied predators with strong limbs, long tails, sharp claws, and serrated teeth.
The dragon eventually comes down toward Brewer, creating an impressive face-to-face moment. Brewer appears comfortable around the animal, but that should not be mistaken for Komodo dragons being harmless. Professional keepers use extensive experience, training, and safety procedures when working around large reptiles.
How Dangerous Are Komodo Dragons?
Komodo dragons can briefly reach speeds of up to about 13 mph.
©kiwisoul/ via Getty Images
Komodo dragons do not commonly attack people, but they are capable of causing extremely serious injuries. Medical literature includes documented attacks both in their native Indonesia and on animal keepers in the United States.
Their mouths are lined with sharp, curved, serrated teeth that can produce deep wounds, while their powerful neck muscles help them tear at prey. Researchers have also identified venom glands in the lower jaw. According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, an attack from a Komodo dragon can be fatal to a human.
They can also move faster than their bulky appearance suggests. The Smithsonian reports that Komodo dragons can briefly run at speeds of roughly 10 to 13 mph. They are built more for short bursts than long pursuits, but that is still plenty quick enough to make keeping a respectful distance a very good idea.
Watch the Komodo Dragon Encounter
The video below shows just how impressive these giant reptiles are when you see one moving through its environment rather than simply resting in an enclosure.
