Komodo dragon bites tourist taking photos
An overly inquisitive tourist has been bitten by a Komodo dragon at an Indonesian national park, after trying to take a close-up photo of the reptile as it was eating.
Chief of the Komodo National Park, Sudiyono, told Jakarta Post the 50-year-old Singaporean tourist was bitten after ignoring warnings from locals to avoid the lizard.
Sudiyono says, “He must have been too close. A Komodo doesn’t like to be disturbed when eating.”
Locals reportedly dragged the man away and rushed him to a medical centre, where he was put on a military speed boat to be treated at a hospital on another island.
Reports also suggest the man had been staying with locals to save money, instead of at the national park where experienced rangers can help tourists avoid the lizards.
Sudiyono added, “The incident took place away from the area set by us where tourists are allowed to observe Komodos. I also appeal to all tourist to take guides with you when wandering around to see Komodo dragons.”
This is reportedly the Komodo dragon attack on a human in five years. Komodo dragons bites are venomous and can be deadly according to National Geographic.
Have you ever had a close encounter with an animal while travelling?