Which animals are the most dangerous on Earth? This is a question that has been asked by many people, and there is no easy answer. While some might say that certain animals are more dangerous than others, it really depends on the situation. Some of the most dangerous animals include lions, tigers, and bears. While these creatures can be deadly, it is important to understand that most are not interested in attacking humans. Here are the top 10 deadliest animals based on their abilities to kill humans.
10. Hippopotamus
Known as the ‘river horse’, hippos are most dangerous during mating season. They live in Africa near rivers, lakes, and mangroves. While these creatures look like they would be slow on land, they can actually charge at speeds of up to 30 mph! This is because their two toes are spread apart, allowing them to walk both on land and in the water.
Some hippos are known to stay underwater for up to 5 minutes while feeding on seagrass or other aquatic plants. They can also live in saltwater largely due to their ability to sweat, which helps them control their body temperature. Their sweat is so dense with salt that it prevents bacteria from growing on the skin, allowing them to stay in saltwater environments.
9. Lions
A large cat related to leopards and jaguars, lions, is very common throughout Africa and Asia. They have been known to hunt in groups in order to take down larger prey such as zebras. If they feel threatened, a lion will attack with its claws, feet, and mouth. While they typically feed on deer, antelope, warthogs, buffalo, or wildebeest. It is estimated that each year there are more than 70,000 human deaths resulting from lion attacks. This is due to the fact that they are one of few species who will eat humans, and also because they live near villages and attack people as they try to protect their livestock.
8. Sharks
With more than 400 types of sharks, it is hard not to believe they are deadly creatures. Sharks are known for their menacing teeth, which allows them to tear through prey like humans with ease. Most people may say that a shark attack does not mean certain death as long as the victim gets immediate medical attention. However, the truth is that even with the best medical care, less than 10 percent of victims survive an attack.
Many people are attacked while they are in or near the water, whether they are surfing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming. Since sharks can detect one drop of blood in 25 gallons of water, it is best to avoid going into the ocean if you have an open wound. Some larger species of sharks include the bull shark, which can live in both salt and fresh water, and the great white shark known for its size and aggressiveness.
7. Jelly Fish
Perhaps one of the scariest animals on this list, jellyfish, can be found in oceans around the world. While many may not believe that jellyfish are animals, they actually belong to a group known as Cnidarians, which comprises over 10,000 species, including corals and sea anemones. Jellyfish have been around for over 650 million years, and they have evolved very little since then.
Of the thousands of species, most do not have a brain or even a heart, with some simply are cords that contain cells that allow them to move to search for food. While it is hard to believe, jellyfish actually kill more humans than sharks each year! The reason humans die from a jellyfish sting is that most of their tentacles are covered in cnidae which contain a toxin that causes a painful stinging sensation.