The colonists that arrived on the Flores made efforts to domesticate the "space cow," the Mauler's evolutionary predecessor, and turn it into a working animal. They were quickly disabused of the notion when the creature turned hostile.

The Mauler's jaw now appears to be in a state of rapid expansion, the growing to such an extent as to create a second set of enormous teeth that rip at the corners of its mouth and spilt its skull down the middle. The sighting of a Mauler is a reliable indicator there are more nearby, including their parent, the far more dangerous Behemoth. Despite their heavyset appearance and thick skin, the power in their legs affords them a good speed which they use to keep their distance. They are nevertheless quick to enrage if they happen to lose their parent, and will use their legs to leap and strike.