Boy draining lizard gets drained by lizard:
A Komodo dragon attacked and killed an 8-year-old boy in eastern Indonesia, the first recorded deadly attack on a human by one of the giant lizards in 33 years, a national park spokesman said today.The boy was mauled when he went to go to the bathroom behind a bush Saturday on Komodo island, Heru Rudiharto said.
“The Komodo bit him on his waist and tossed him viciously from side to side,” Rudiharto said.
“A fishermen, who just happened to be the boy’s uncle, threw rocks at the lizard until it let the boy go and fled,” he said. “The boy died from massive bleeding half an hour later.”
Rudiharto suspects the Komodo, whose species can weigh up to 365 pounds, couldn't find a deer to eat.
Although it's claimed there's never been an attack on humans, for some reason tour guides carry large, forked sticks to ward off the beasts.
The mayor of the island issued a statement saying that while he's pleased a large predator who supposedly injured someone was caught, it's a beautiful day, the beaches are open and people are having a wonderful time. Also that Komodo means "friendship."
I wonder what meeting the Indonesian version of Quint would be like.
Posted by: kbiel at June 4, 2007 03:41 PMDamn I bet that hurt..
I wonder how Komodo dragons cook up.. I had to carefully ask that. I typed it several ways, and it still didn't sound right.
Posted by: csason at June 4, 2007 05:27 PMKomodos are on my short list of reptiles that it wouldn't bother me to have extinct.
Posted by: nancy at June 4, 2007 08:18 PMFlorida Cracker,
Tomorrow marks 1 year ago that my dad, Alligator trapper John French, had a massive heart attack while on the back of an 8 footer. He passed away the next morning. I just want to thank you for the fair, and kind blogging/reporting that you have done about him in the past. Yes, he was a tough ole 'Bama boy, but he was also a kind and gentle husband, father and friend. Our family misses him terribly, but we have enjoyed reading about him on your website in the past. Thank you again, Dawn Hansen
Dawn, thank you. You're very sweet. I liked to write about your dad because of my admiration for him. He was the man people turned to for a very dangerous job that required a lot of skill and personal courage. I'm sure he knew how much people depended on him for their safety. What a man.
He went too soon. My condolences to you and your family.
"...tour guides carry large, forked sticks..."
I'm supposing because they work better than forked tongues?
(Please accept condolences from all of us here at Casa de major dad, Dawn. I will echo Cracker's 'what a man'.)
Posted by: tree hugging sister at June 5, 2007 02:16 PMThank you, again.
Posted by: Dawn at June 5, 2007 03:30 PM