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Komodo Dragons Use Venom to Kill

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted May 19, 2009 3:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – Australian scientists have discovered that the world’s largest lizard packs a lethal venom in its bite, the Guardian reports. MRI scans of an ailing Komodo dragon revealed venom glands in the mouth that had never before been documented. The dragons’ poison sends victims into shock by triggering a sudden drop in blood pressure, and also prevents blood from clotting—causing the prey to bleed to death.

Komodo dragons, native to several Indonesian islands, can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh as much as 110 pounds. (©jonnyr1)

The discovery that the Komodo dragon is venomous leads researchers to believe many other lizards may also pack a poisonous punch. (©pareeerica)

The Komodo dragon joins the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard as the only lizards currently known to be venomous. Their poison is similar to that of a snake. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

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Komodo Dragons Use Venom to Kill

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Cops: Man Poisons Rice Krispies to Kill Wife

Fernando Porras busted as he flees from hospital

Bird Expert Convicted in Cat Poison Bid

Researcher wrote on the feline menace to birds

Are North Korean Assassins Wielding Poison Needles?

Reports surface of activists supposedly getting pricked

Stung by a Scorpion? Mexico Will Save You

Despite 250 stings a year, US drug companies won't make anti-venom

Poisoned Milk Kills 3 Kids in China

A suspect has been taken into custody

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Komodo Dragons Use Venom to Kill

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

snake venom • poison • lizard • Komodo dragon

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Cops: Man Poisons Rice Krispies to Kill Wife

Fernando Porras busted as he flees from hospital

Bird Expert Convicted in Cat Poison Bid

Researcher wrote on the feline menace to birds

Are North Korean Assassins Wielding Poison Needles?

Reports surface of activists supposedly getting pricked

Stung by a Scorpion? Mexico Will Save You

Despite 250 stings a year, US drug companies won't make anti-venom

Poisoned Milk Kills 3 Kids in China

A suspect has been taken into custody

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?