The planet Earth depends on the circle of life, and that is why we must respect every single living animal out there. Even though we humans are constantly putting in efforts to make a better and safer life for ourselves, the world remains a dangerous place.
As for wild animals, what determines their danger level might not necessarily be the size. We may think of some of these animals as friendly or harmless, but sometimes even “friendly” or docile-seeming species can become dangerous if provoked. I present you a list of the top 10 most dangerous animals on earth, beginning with the number 10.
10. Hippopotamus
photo via earth-song.tumblr.com
Hippos are usually found in Africa and are responsible for more human fatalities on the continent than any other large animal. Male and female hippos tend to have different reasons for attacking. A male hippo will defend its territory, which runs along the river or lake bank, whereas females become aggressive in protecting their young.
9. Australian Box Jellyfish
photo via all-that-is-interesting.com
The Indo-Pacific or Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) is the most poisonous marine animal known to humanity, and its sting can kill a human. The tentacles are covered in cnidocysts, and each cnidocyst is equipped with a tiny needle and a load of toxin that, added together, could kill 50 people.
8. Great White Shark
photo via cronopios-unios.tumblr.com
Averaging 15 feet long, with rows of up to 300 sharp serrated teeth inside powerful 4-foot-wide jaws, the great white shark is comfortably at the top of the food chain. It eats a wide variety of species and isn’t too picky, but humans are not preferred, leaner and bonier than its favorite prey—the fattier seals and sea lions. Of the more than 100 shark attacks every year, one-third to one-half are by great whites, and most of these are not fatal.
7. Grizzly Bear
photo via filteredmind.com
The grizzly bear is a color variation of the brown bear of North America. Despite its huge size, it can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. The most common reason for a grizzly attack is a female fearing for her cubs. Hungry or ill bears may also attack humans.
6. Cape Buffalo
photo via sun-stones.tumblr.com
In Africa, the Cape buffalo is sometimes called “black death,” being one of the most dangerous animals on land. It is too aggressive and unpredictable and kills over 200 people a year.
5. Elephant
photo via luluswhimsy.com
The elephant, the largest land mammal, lives in Africa and some parts of Asia. Normally viewed as friendly, elephants have sometimes been known to exhibit unpredictable behavior and attack without warning. Wild elephants sometimes enter villages and do damage or crush people, and a person can also be trampled inadvertently by a herd moving past. Around 500 people die by elephants every year.
4. Crocodile
photo via luluswhimsy.com
The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world. The saltwater and Nile crocodiles are the most dangerous, killing hundreds of people a year. The saltwater crocodile is powerful and fast, and its jaws can apply 3,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. Crocodiles kill up to 800 people every year.
3. African lion
photo via luluswhimsy.com
The African lion has amazing speed, razor-sharp claws, and teeth to attack its prey. It hunts in groups and stalks its prey before attacking, running in bursts of up to 50 miles per hour.
2. Snake
photo via theultralinx.com
Many species of snakes are dangerous to humans. More than 450 species are venomous, and 250 are capable of killing a person. Most venomous bites occur in Africa, Asia, and North America.
1. Mosquito
photo via extension.entm.purdue.edu
Mosquitoes make number one on the list of deadliest animals in the world. This small blood-sucking insect kills over a million people each year worldwide. It can spread diseases, most notably malaria. It can also spread elephantiasis, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are found in abundance in tropical areas and can even survive the winter in countries with lower temperatures, such as Canada.
I noticed that this list is inaccurate. The number one most deadly animal is humans. humans kill more people than any other animal
True, very true. But I think it meant animals, not humans.
Will, humans are animals.
this is absolute CRAP
That particular snake in the picture is not venomous or dangerous in anyway. It’s a king snake, one that is often a pet. I know it’s talking about snakes in general but it just bugs me….
It’s a very poisonous Black Mamba. King snakes are black and white.
But no one’s like why is mosquito in the list at all? Humans are animals, mammals, even. But the last one isn’t even in the class. Smmfh.
Sunshine, a little more education wouldn’t hurt you.
People need guns, knives and machinery. Animals only need what they need to eat to live.