From spiders to alligators to snakes, the most dangerous species on Mother Earth are not to be messed with. If only for the reason that when they strike, the aftermath is customarily calamitous. And for this reason alone, we gathered a list to reveal the world’s most dangerous species that you should bypass at all costs – most likely the consequences (like bites or stings) are not included on your health insurance.
Swiper No Swiping
Dry habitats such as Africa and India is where you’ll find the terrifying Saw-Scaled Viper – the kind of viper that likes to hunt in the night. Oh right, this viper also has a bite so poisonous that it can cause blood disorders and even hemorrhaging in the brain. As if that wasn’t scary enough – every year the Saw-Scaled Viper kills more people than any other snake in the world.
Saw Scaled Snake
Literally A Floating Terror
First of all, the Portuguese Man of War looks dazzling, there’s no question about it. However when it’s referred to as a ‘floating terror’, it loses its cuteness appeal. Moreover it isn’t a jellyfish, it’s a siphonophore from the marine animal family of phylum Cnidaria. Which pretty much means that when stung, it leaves behind massive welts that resemble whip-like marks. Additionally, the pain from a single sting causes the most excruciating pain – keep your eyes peeled when in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Portuguese Man Of War
Da-nuh da-nuh danuhdanuhdanuh
Undoubtedly the Great White Shark makes the list, as if that was ever in doubt. Primarily found in coastal sea waters, while the Great White doesn’t always chomp away at humans, it does have something of an unbelievable appetite. Not to mention that when it does attack humans, it holds the record for the “largest percentage of attacks on people” – as if that wasn’t reason enough to freak out, females actually weigh around 4,000 lbs. GULP.
Great White Shark
Smarter Than A 5th Grader
Sub-Saharan Africa is where you’ll find the wise and crafty Cape Buffalo. All you need to know, apart from the fact that these guys weigh about 2,000 pounds, is that they hunt lions, elephants, humans, and other large prey. Great…not. But here’s the best part (as if there could ever be one), Cape Buffalo remember every single prey they have ever encountered, regardless of time. Then there’s me, I can’t even remember someone’s name a second after getting introduced. **Sigh.**
Cape Buffalo
Watch Out
If you find yourself in the Middle East and Africa, or even in the desert and scrubland habitats, then you’ll come across the Deathstalker Scorpion. Rarely is this species dangerous to adults, we should warn you that a bite alone possesses enough venom to endanger children and the elderly. Loaded with neurotoxins, the poison sends victims into anaphylactic shock; on the bright side (if there is one) if the anti-venom is administered in time, then the odds of survival improve drastically.
Deathstalker Scorpion
Seven Plus One
Fun fact: the Giant Pacific Octopus have been around more than any other octopus species. Plus they weigh about 600 pounds and are menacing predators, yay. Also, they have sucker-covered legs in order to catch prey, which they then use to feed into its huge mouth that has a radula, or a ‘toothed-tongue’. Yup, just let that sink in. Afterwards you can call your health insurance to see if bites from a massive octopus are covered. Good luck!
Seven Plus One
Health Insurance For One, Please
Call them what you want, Cone Snails or cone shells or cones, this predatory species appears cute but is beyond deadly. Why? Well, there is no anti-venom if you get stung, furthermore its venom contains numerous toxins that range in their effects; some of which are extremely toxic. Therefore if you live near to warm and tropical seas, have your health insurance provider on speed dial
Cone Snail
Hip-Hip-Hippo
No one associates the word ‘dangerous’ with Hippo, but that’s your first mistake. As one of the largest land mammals to roam about, hippos also weigh in at about 3,000 pounds. Moreover, while they are primarily herbivorous, hippos have an immaculate set of teeth and sometimes will turn aggressive and territorial.
Hippo
Mosquito Moscato
When you’re done laughing at the fact that Mosquitoes are on our list, we have some things you need to be made aware of. As reported by the World Health Organization, these suckers are globally responsible for ¾ of a million deaths. Mind-blowing is an understatement in this case! Mosquitoes carry diseases such as malaria and yellow fever so just one bite is enough to cause serious damage. Not so funny anymore, huh?
Mosquitoes
Strangler Octopus
Don’t let the pretty colors fool you, the Blue-Ringed Octopus is THE MOST venomous of sea creatures. And we checked, it’s not on any health insurance that we know of. So if you happen to be around the Indian and Pacific Oceans, be aware of your surroundings. Just note that if the Blue-Ringed Octopus feels even remotely under attack, it’ll strike and begin to asphyxiate its victims.
Blue Ringed Octopus
Ultimate Baddie
Despite what Hollywood has lead you to believe, Hyenas are not only smart but kill something like 95% of the animals that they eat. Yes, really. On top of that, they’re quick, strong, and have jaws capable of breaking bones.
Hyena
Mamba Number 5
Forget health insurance if you get bit by a Black Mamba, the antivenom is your only option but only if received in time. Yes we know just how morbid that all sounds. But hey, they don’t say truth hurts for no reason. At a length of 14 feet, this snake is also the fastest species as it has the ability to slither at 12 miles per hour. Lastly, its venom can kill a dozen people in just one bite. [insert screaming, terrified emoji here.]
Black Mamba
Unfortunately, A Parasite
All areas of tropical Africa is where you’ll find the Tse Tse. Don’t assume that it’s a fly though, it’s actually a parasite – one that needs the blood of vertebrate to live. By vertebrate, we do mean humans, buffaloes, or whatever. Guess we should also mention that they’re responsible for many aliments and diseases that can harm animals and humans alike, like sleeping sickness. #nothanks
TseTse
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Meet the Stonefish, the most venomous fish on Earth. And we’re not joking either. Stonefish give off their own special neurotoxin, however luckily there is an anti-venom. Found around the coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific Oceans, be careful though, their rock-ish exterior is the perfect camouflage.
Stone Fish
Killer Bees
During the 50’s, Brazil “manufactured” the Africanized Honey Bee, a hybrid of varied African and European bee species. Their intention was a good one, it was meant to increase honey production. However, what transpired was actually a Frankenstein-like bee which is commonly referred to as the “Killer Bee” as it has a highly aggressive behavior. Oh. Furthermore, this highly aggressive bee then escaped captivity and spread round the Americas – killing many animals like horses and sometimes even humans.
Africanized Honey Bee
After A While, Crocodile
You’ll find the Saltwater Crocodile in fresh, salty, or the Indian-Pacific Ocean waters. But you shouldn’t actively search for this croc. Why? Oh, cause they reach more than 20 feet and also weigh over a ton. Still not enough? They have a bite that compares to a Tyrannosaurus Rex. YUP!
Saltwater Crocodile
Not What You Think
So the Tarantula Hawk is a spider wasp which does in fact hunt tarantulas. As the largest species of wasps, it has one of the most painful insect stings in the world. Maybe it’s time to reconsider your health insurance plan. Maybe.
Tarantula Hawk
No Teddy Bear’s Round Here
Unless you’re in the Arctic, chances are incredibly slim of a Polar Bear attack. But in any case, note that the polar bear is the most likely out of any beat to attack a human. Ergo, when faced with this 2,000 pound meat-eater, do one simple thing…RUN.
Polar Bear
Pufferfish – Say What?
Cute? Yes. Dangerous? Extremely. How dangerous are we talking about here? According to National Geographic, they’re the “second most poisonous animal in the entire world.” Then again, maybe dangerous is underestimating it all a bit. Pufferfish release a chemical, tetrodotoxin, when they inflate. and this chemical instantly damages your nervous system which then causes blockages between any communication or messages transmitted between the brain and the body.
Putterfish
Unsuspecting Killer
When you have a name like Golden Poison Frog, you’ll easily find yourself on this list. See, this froggy has so much venom, it can literally stop any animal’s heart in minutes. Oh, and the Golden Poison Frog doesn’t hide its poison, it just sits on its skin. Furthermore, remember how we said that the Pufferfish was the second most poisonous animal in the world? Meet the first.
Golden Poison Frog
Poison Jelly Sounds Fun, Oh Wait
Let’s just begin by saying that Box Jellyfish are the most toxic species of jellyfish in the world. What with their poison-lined tentacles we can’t be surprised at that fact. Their tentacles inject a potent mixture of toxins which then attack the skin, heart, and nervous system. Now an antivenom exists but most victims fall into shock and die before ever receiving treatment. Beware greatly if you’re in the tropical Indo-Pacific region or tropical and subtropical oceans.
Box Jellyfish
SSSSSSSSidewinder
Usually found in desert areas in southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, the Sidewinder is no joke. While one bite isn’t fatal, the symptoms of a bite are incredibly damaging.
Sidewinder
Here, Kitty Kitty Kitty
So the Lynx is in many ways similar to a regular house cat, aside from the fact that they’re quite deadly. (Okay, so very similar to a house cat). Lynx tend to live mainly in Eurasia, Canada and Western Europe, but regardless of location, they will attack if provoked.
Lynx
Watch Out, Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is no longer the fastest swimmer on Earth, everyone meet the Water Monitors. While they are not strong hunters, they have one massive advantage, their saliva. Yup, we just said saliva. Think that’s included in your health insurance?
Water Monitors
Vampires Exist
Just when you thought Klaus Mikaelson was the most dangerous vampire, we introduce the Vampire Bat. Yes, really. Not only do they aggressively chase after their prey but they have a potent bite, which often spreads rabies. Oh, that’s nice…not.
Vampire Bat
Hey, Down Here
Just when you thought you had seen it all on our list, we thrown ants into the mix. However there’s a reason for this! Siafu Ants will actually attack if they feel threatened and they attack in mammoth sized swarms. In addition, their bites are beyond comprehension in terms of pain, furthermore once they sink their teeth into you, chances diminish of you actually pulling it out. Yeah, you’re gonna to call your health insurance if this happens.
Siafu Ant
Makes The Cut
The Inland Taipan has a venom which includes neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and mycotoxins. All of which affect the nervous system, blood, and various muscles. As if that wasn’t bad enough, its venom can kill an adult human in just 45 minutes. Yeah, you’re gonna need that antivenom immediately after a bite.
Inland Taipan
Move Over, Khalessi
First of all, the Komodo Dragon is an insanely patient animal – it will strike its victim and then wait until it bleeds to death before it completely devours it. Ew, that’s just terrifying. Located mainly in the Indonesian islands, some of these dragons can weigh about 150 pounds.
Komodo Dragon
Lion King Times 10
Sure, the Disney film Lion King ranks pretty high as a family favorite but don’t underestimate the dangers of the African Lion. Not only do they have speed on their side but they weigh about 400 pounds so health insurance is an added bonus if attacked.
African Lion
Swipe Left
It was only a matter of time until the Black Widow Spider made the list. A bite from such a spider is loaded with latrotoxin, which can cause severe pain and can sometimes lead to death. Although we should mention that it’s only the female bites which are dangerous to humans.
Black Widow Spider
Woof?
As a massive Dog lover, it pains me to include them on the list but alas here we are. Don’t forget that dog bites can sometimes lead to death. In fact, some 20,000 people in India have passed away from dog bites. Granted, Europe and the America’s have seen lower figures but no one wants a rabies infected bite, ever.
Dog
Beware, Blowfish
Bet you didn’t know that Blowfish are actually one the most poisonous vertebrates on the planet. Its poison is called tetrodotoxin, which is way more powerful than that of cyanide. Kind of makes you wish that you had your health insurance on speed dial.
Blowfish
Don’t Smell The Roses
Ahem, the only thing that the Flower Urchin has in common with ordinary flowers is its attractive appearance. Now this spiky underwater being is known by another terrifying name, Toxopneustes pileolus. AKA ‘poison breath’. Seriously. Its string is so intense, powerful, and painful that victims often describe it to feeling like they’re dying.
Flower Urchin
On The Prowl
As the largest species in the wolf family, the Gray Wolf can weigh something like 100 pounds. (Now I can say that I weigh more than a wolf, as if that’s some kind of accomplishment. Sorry, moving on.) Known as especially skilled hunters, a gray wolf can turn fatal.
Gray Wolf
Roar.
Ursus horribilis, or as we know them best, Grizzly Bear, is up next! North America, Scandinavia, and Asia is where you’ll find the aggressive grizzly. Additionally out of all the bear species, the grizzly is the strongest and biggest. Seems like this is something that belongs on the health insurance plan, now doesn’t it?
Grizzly Bear
So Not Dumbo
Dumbo fans, look away! African Elephants are known to be be quite aggressive and fierce. Furthermore, as the largest land animal, their brains alone weigh something like eleven pounds.
African Elephant
..They Live in the Amazon
If you’ve watched Finding Nemo then you know just how dangerous Piranhas really are. Because their razor sharp teeth and strong jaws weren’t reason enough to steer clear. In fact, just in 2011 alone, over 100 people were brutally bitten by piranhas. Although they’re known to strike most often when they’re angry and hungry, yah know, “hangry.”
Piranha
Dem Nasty Vultures
Generally you’ll find New World and Old World Vultures in various parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Not just Looney Tunes. These fellas are known to maliciously attack for food.
Vultures
Seeing Red
Ready for it? Whether you call it the Bull Shark, or Zambezi shark, there a few things that are just known. For instance, it has a stocky shape, a flat nose, and has a seriously aggressive, unpredictable behavior. Yeah, maybe we didn’t need to know that. But in any case, let’s move on. The bull shark lives in fresh and salt water, plus it can travel up rivers. On top of it all, this specific shark right here is actually responsible for a vast majority of near-shore shark attacks.
Bull Shark
They’rrrreeeee *not* Great
Tony the Tiger may be the only nice “tiger” on the planet, whether that’s a good thing is up to you. Mainly you’ll find the Tiger Snake in southern regions of Australia, so beware at all times, folks. Additionally, it has a venom filled with neurotoxins, coagulants, haemolysins, and myotoxins. We won’t go into detail about what all of that means, we will however say, it’s not good whatsoever. Don’t even think about leaving bites untreated as the mortality rate is about 40-60%.
Tiger Snake
A Real Assassin
This bug is all about deadly love. It’s been referred to as the “kissing bug” because it has this obsession with biting people on their face and near their mouth. The Assassin bug is responsible for close to 12,000 deaths every year. Find yourself a different date to the prom…
Assassin
Snake Royalty
Sure you’ve seen some fellas in the Far East charming these slithering creatures. However you should know that the King Cobra is far from easily charmed. If you get on his wrong side, he can strike with lightning speed and deliver a bite that can kill a person in less than 30 minutes. Just to be clear, that death wouldn’t be without suffering and paralysis beforehand.
King Cobra
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman
The Loxosceles reclusa or Sicariidae, is more commonly known as the Brown recluse. To be honest, the only thing I’d be calling if I cam across this eight-legged monster, would be “AAAAAHHHH!” This is one of only two spiders in the world that possesses necrotic venom – it kills cells in a person’s body. While its bite might not be too painful, it is deadly.
Brown Recluse Spider
Not So Gentle Giant
If you’ve ever visited the zoo, you’ll be able to say that gorillas are massive. Despite looking like cuddly, leaf-chowing creatures, they are actually one of the most dangerous mammals on the planet. If you ever find yourself ripping through the jungles of central Africa, my recommendation is to steer clear of these 400-pound beasts.
Gorilla
Cute Little Tarsiers
I know what you’re thinking, because I thought it too until I read up more about them. They look like the perfect cuddly pet… I mean just look at those massive eyes! The fact however is that Tarsiers are super dangerous, and especially so if they feel endangered. One bite can cause a person anaphylactic shock!
Tarsiers
Hey, Spectacled Caimans
Is it a crocodile? Is it an alligator? No, it’s Supermaa… nope. It’s a Spectacled Caiman and its massive jaw, long tail and sharp teeth are enough to make you want your mommy – I know I want mine. If you’ve ever seen a clip of these bad boys hunting, with their head almost fully submerged in the water, then you’ll know just dangerous they are.
Spectacled Caimans
Beautiful Clouded Leopards
Once again nature has pulled a fast one on us. Beauty can be really dangerous sometimes, I mean just take a look at this gorgeous creature. The Clouded Leopard might be majestic, but it is also a stealthy killer. Their impressive climbing skills aid them in pouncing on prey from great heights when their victims hardly expect anything.
Clouded Leopards
Like a Bullet to the Heart
Now why on earth would they call this creature the “Bullet Ant”? Ah, that’s why – when this tiny creature takes a bite of your skin it will leave you feeling like you’ve been shot by a bullet. The excruciating pain is said to be accompanied by a venomous attack to a person’s central nervous system. Ouch!
Bullet Ant
Land Down Under
Australia is basically its own planet, can we all just agree on that for a second? Right, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s take a look at the Sydney funnel-web spider. This creature’s bite can put a person in hospital for a good while, and if they don’t make it to the emergency room, they could die.
Sydney-funnel-web-spider
Not So Cute and Cuddly
It seems unnatural to think that a seal can be so lethal, but then it opens his mouth and the Leopard seal’s teeth make you think again. Those teeth aren’t just long and sharp, they are accompanied by a vicious rage that can rip an opponent to shreds.
Leopard Seal
Rhinoceros At Yah
Rhinos are something like the armored tanks of the animal kingdom. Sure, they aren’t able to shoot or do 360’s on the spot, but they weigh a ton and have a horns on their noses. They’re strictly herbivorous, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to rip into other animals that provoke them.
Rhinoceros
Not A Boomarang
The name comes from Afrikaans. Boom = tree, slang = snake. While the name might have taken forever to come up with, this snake’s bite will take only minutes to cause deadly damage. Their lethal venom causes damaging effects to the body of its victim, like hemorrhaging!
Boomslang
Spotty
We’ve seen the Clouded Leopard (which isn’t even directly related to this animal), but now we’re going to look at the real Leopard. It can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa and in some parts of Asia. The truth is that it can’t really be found since it is elusive and sneaky. Aside from climbing trees like a pro, they can run up to 36 MPH (58 kilometers)!
Leopard
Wanderlust? Think Again
Phoneutria, or Brazilian Wandering Spider, poses a really serious threat to humans. If you’re wondering why this arachnid has been called the “wandering spider”, it’s simply because he finds himself in a million different places, and where we least expect him. We’re talking about in shoes, boots, houses, clothes, boxes… AHHHH!
Brazilian Wandering Spider
Crocodile Dundee
You might not be expecting to see this kind of bird on our list, but it is helluva dangerous, and the Australian population will vouch for that. Australian magpies get super feisty during their mating season which is in September and October. Australians call it “Swooping season” because these feathered creatures literally swoop down to attack people!
Australian Magpies
Not So Boaring
Is that Pumba? Boars are generally not prone to attack human beings, but if they feel like they’re in danger they’ll surely pull out all the stops and attack someone. Their tusks can tear through human flesh with the slightest contact. Even though most people will recover from these attacks (if treated immediately), some people have died as a result.
Boars
I Said A Hip-Hop
What is it with all these Australian animals? The kangaroo is an interesting creature, and we can hardly see anything like it anywhere else in the world. There have been cartoons of kangaroos wearing boxing gloves and there’s a good reason for that. These guys can kick and punch with such force that they can actually kill a person.
Kangaroos
Rattle, Rattle
That rattling sound is the first sign of danger – hopefully you’ll never have to find out what the second is. Rattlesnakes have hemotoxic venom which has the ability to destroy tissue and cause blood clotting. This North American native has been terrifying the Americas for centuries.
Rattlesnakes
Whoooooooo!
We’re talking about real wolves, not the Twilight kind that just want to fall in love and drive off into the sunset. Wolves aren’t particularly prone to attack people, but if they feel any sense of threat they may just attack. Also, just remember that wolves usually move around in packs…
Wolves
Yes Really, Humans
Hey, wipe that confused look off your face, this totally makes sense. Humans are super dangerous, and that’s excluding the fact that we’ve been killing each-other for thousands of years. Take out the factor of intentional killing and just look at what the human race has done to the environment in which it lives.
Humans