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.
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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.
6. Crocodiles
Crocodiles are primarily living in or near water and are known for their extremely powerful jaws that can snap large prey in half. These creatures are deadly worldwide, with certain ones found in Africa and Southeast Asia posing higher risks to humans than others. Like most other animals on this list, they will not hunt humans, but when surprised by a human, a crocodile will attack, killing its victim quickly through drowning and breaking the neck of the prey. They have also been known to jump onto boats where fishermen or tourists have been sitting and drag them into the water before swallowing them whole.
5. Elephants
With a size that is larger than most other land mammals, elephants appear to be peaceful creatures unless provoked. Its act, it is estimated that more people are killed each year by elephants than snakes or other predators. This is because elephants are known to become extremely agitated when their young are threatened or killed, which is common in areas where poaching has occurred. When they feel that their babies are in danger, they will charge the attacker, killing them with either their tusks, trunk, feet or through bashing them into trees and objects.
4. Scorpions
They may not be very big or fast, but scorpions are one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet. Many would think bees or spiders are more deadly to humans, but in fact, it’s scorpions that have 80 species known for killing people each year. The Arizona Bark Scorpion can cause seizures, respiratory paralysis, and eventually death if untreated.
The Deathstalker Scorpion can give a victim an intense burning sensation where they are stung, along with other side effects similar to the bark scorpion. These arachnids were thought to have been extinct millions of years ago until fossils were found in South Africa, leading researchers to believe that their venom was becoming more dangerous over time for humans.
3. Dogs
It is estimated that more than 100,000 people die each year due to a dog attack. With most of these deaths occurring in India and then China, the next countries with the highest number of deaths are Brazil, Turkey, and the United States. Of course, many breeds of dogs will attack humans, but pit bulls seem to be one of the most common culprits, along with rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies, and wolf hybrids. When on its own or in a pack, this animal has no trouble taking down animals as large as buffalo or bears if they feel threatened.
2. Snakes
With over 2,000 species of snake in the world, it is important to be aware of their presence. While snakes may not seem deadly since they typically avoid humans, there are many species that can kill a human with one bite. Some venomous snakes include cobras which can cause respiratory failure and death within 15 minutes if anti-venom is not given.
There are also the kraits that can live in water or on land and release venom that can cause death within 7 hours. Even some nonvenomous snakes are dangerous as they can constrict their prey to death. While there are many dogs, cats, lizards, and even large rodents that may be able to kill a snake, it is best to stay away from them if you notice they are in the area.
1. Mosquitoes
One of the most deadly creatures in the world, mosquitoes are carriers of a variety of diseases. In terms of potentially life-threatening sicknesses, some of the most common were malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue fever or “breakbone fever,” while others, including yellow fever, have been known to cause death. Since mosquitos appear mostly at night when people are sleeping, they can be dealt with through the use of netting and bug spray; however, since they breed inside houses, it is necessary that homes get treated to prevent future outbreaks from occurring.
Conclusion
Many people are unaware of the dangers that animals can pose to their lives, but educating oneself about all creatures is important. The animals on this list have been known to cause death in humans, either through direct attacks or through infecting them with viruses and diseases. By being cautious around these animals’ habitats, one can avoid dangerous confrontations.