Did you know that a single animal is responsible for causing ten lakh human deaths worldwide each year? Well, it’s not what you think! No tigers, sharks, snakes or other usual suspects in the most dangerous animal list. The answer is a Mosquito! This shows that size and appearance rarely decide the ferociousness and dangers associated with animals. Some kill you with their sheer muscle power, while some others with their teeth and venom.
So, don’t let their looks fool you! Learn how these 25 World’s most dangerous animals cause most human killings per year and their usual attack modes!
List of 25 World’s Most Dangerous Animals with Pictures:
Here, we have put together a list of the 25 deadliest animals on earth that appear in no particular order:
1. Mosquitoes:
Mosquitoes may look like tiny, harmless bugs, but they are one of the most dangerous animals on earth. Certain mosquito species like Culex, Anopheles, Adeles etc., transmit deadly pathogens via saliva into the human body. Mosquito bites are responsible for dangerous diseases like malaria, filaria, dengue, encephalitides, etc., which kill many humans worldwide. Records also state that deaths caused by mosquitoes are far greater than the deaths in all wars that ever happened in human history.
- Where Are They Found? Regions with warm, humid tropical and sub-tropical climates
- Number of Killings per Year: More than 1 Million Globally
2. Cape Buffalo:
The Cape Buffalo is one of the world’s most dangerous land animals. It is aptly called the “Black Death” for its aggressive nature. Cape Buffalos are notorious for killing more game hunters than any other wild animals. A typical male Cape buffalo can intimidate you with its 6 feet tall and 1750-pound bulky body. Escape routes are almost zero if you confront an injured or angry animal! It can charge you with a speed of 35kph and tear you down with its thick, sharp horns.
- Where Are They Found? Southern and East African countries
- Number of Killings per Year: About 200 people each year
See More: Types Of Animals List In The World
3. Crocodile:
The sight of a fully opened Crocodile jaws itself can send a chill down our spine! The Nile and Saltwater Crocodiles are one of the most dangerous animals on the planet, notorious for being opportunistic predators. Although crocodiles do not deliberately hunt humans, they do not discriminate against their prey either. When swimmers or unsuspecting children enter into crocodile zones to have some fun, the movements can alert the animal. It secretly comes closer to the prey and snaps the body with its powerful jaws!
- Where Are They Found? Tropical regions of Asia, America, Australia and Africa
- Number of Killings per Year: About 1000 worldwide
4. Wild Boar:
Wild boars, also called Feral hogs, are one of the most feared animals on the planet. An average male weighs around 100kgs and can run about 30kmph. Due to loss of habitat, increased breeding and animal-human conflict, Wild boars often venture into human zones. When they sense danger, Wild boars can attack humans with their sharp canines. Boar bites can pass on deadly diseases like TB, Influenza A, and Hepatitis E. They are also known to be one of the major causes of car accidents on borders of forests.
- Where Are They Found? Forests in India, Europe, America, China etc.
- Number of Killings per Year: About 6-7 per year (in U.S Alone)
5. Tiger:
Tigers are one of the largest predators on earth and have exceptional muscular power. An average adult male Bengal tiger measures a whopping 9.5 ft long and weighs about 220kgs. So, the sheer size and weight itself are enough to kill a human being! Also, the tiger’s paw is quite strong, and a single strike can tear away a portion of flesh from your body. Another dangerous aspect of tigers is their unpredictable behaviour. Due to animal-human conflicts, Tigers often turn into maneaters and kill humans for flesh.
- Where Are They Found? Russia, India, China, Indonesia and even Siberia
- Number of Killings per Year: 50-250 People Approximately
6. Bear:
Bears may look cuddly and innocent! But don’t ever think of venturing too close to them! Grizzly bears, polar bears and even Eurasian bears are notorious for their aggressive nature. Despite having poorly developed senses of sight and hearing, Bears can hunt down their prey with smell. Although bears rarely attack humans, venturing too close to them or their young ones can threaten the animals. With an average speed of 40kmph, a bodyweight of 300kgs and exceptional tree climbing skills, Bears can out beat you in no time, leaving you severely injured or even dead!
- Where Are They Found? North America, South America, Europe and Asia
- Number of Killings per Year: About 40 worldwide
7. Tsetse Fly:
A Tsetse Fly is not your average housefly or mosquito! It is a blood-sucking bug that can see your skin, leaving you writhing with pain and discomfort. This small fly is found in African countries and measures just 8 to 17mm. Despite its small size, the damage it causes to a human is mighty! A bite from a Tsetse fly can transmit deadly diseases like the African Sleeping Sickness. When left untreated, this disease can lead to coordination issues, sleep cycle disturbances and ultimately death. Currently, there are no vaccines or medicines available to treat sleeping sickness disease.
- Where Are They Found? Sub-Saharan African Regions
- Number of Killings per Year: 50,000 to 5,00,000 people
8. Ascariasis Roundworm:
It is known that about 10% of the population in developed countries are infected with Ascariasis diseases due to Roundworms! Roundworms are long, tubular parasites which infect the small intestines. They enter the body when humans accidentally swallow eggs present in contaminated food or soil. The eggs hatch inside the body and start breeding inside the intestines. When left untreated, these worms can slowly cause intestinal blockage, duct blockages in the liver and pancreas, along with nutritional deficiencies.
- Where Are They Found? Contaminated soil and food
- Number of Killings per Year: 60,000 deaths (most children)
9. Assassin Bugs:
True to their name, Assassin bugs “assassinate” their prey by injecting toxic venom into the bodies. These bugs measure about 1-1.5 inches and have a long tubular mouthpart called the Proboscis. When the bug senses a prey or even a predator (including humans), it can inject venom through the proboscis or spray it directly on the eyes and nose. The venom is strong enough to cause temporary blindness and deadly infections in humans. In some countries, these bugs are also called ‘Kissing Bugs’, as they prefer to bite near their mouths.
- Where Are They Found? The United States of America and Latin America
- Number of Killings per Year: 12,000 due to transmitting Chagas disease
10. Pufferfish:
Pufferfish, or the blowfish, is one of the deadliest fish in the world. When the fish senses danger, it quickly inflates its body to turn into a round ball. Some species even have spikes on the body to ward off predators. Any attempt to eat a pufferfish is like digging up our own grave! This is because a pufferfish contains a deadly poison called tetrodotoxin, which is 1200 times more lethal than cyanide. One pufferfish has enough poison to kill about 30 humans! So, if you spot this fish, better leave it alone!
- Where Are They Found? Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
- Number of Killings per Year: 50 people die in Japan alone by consuming it.
See More: Types Of Whales With Images
11. Shark:
Sharks are one of the most dangerous sea animals, which are known to attack whatever comes their way! Swimmers, scuba divers and surfers are most vulnerable to sharks due to their constant activity in the water. Among the many species of sharks, great white sharks, bull and tiger sharks are notorious for attacking humans. Most sharks attack from below with their razor-sharp teeth and wait for their prey to bleed to death. Sometimes, they can even chew off a portion of flesh from the body and quickly dive back into the water.
- Where Are They Found? Across the world in seawater and some in freshwater
- Number of Killings per Year: About 10-20 people
12. Golden Poison Dart Frog:
The Golden Poison Dart Frog is one of the most deadliest animals on earth, which can kill any human or animal with its lethal venom. The bright yellow-coloured skin of the frog is covered with an alkaloid toxin that can prove fatal to humans and animals. In fact, scientists opine that the brighter the color of a frog, the higher is its toxicity. Although the frog measures just 1.5cms to 6cms, a mere 1mg of its poison can kill 20-30 humans. Hunters coat their arrows with this toxin to bring down animals and birds.
- Where Are They Found? Central and South America
- Number of Killings per Year: -Unknown-
13. Hornet:
Hornets are one of the most feared insects in the world and for a good number of reasons. One giant hornet can kill about 40 honeybees in just a minute! So, imagine the killing power of these deadly creatures, earning them the name “Murder Hornets”! Hornets or Wasps are known for their painful stings. Due to their large size, they release more venom into the victim’s body, which can severely impair the tissues and nervous system. However, the Hornets are not aggressive attackers and sting only when they feel threatened.
- Where Are They Found? Asia, Africa and American regions
- Number of Killings per Year: 50
14. Saw-Scaled Viper:
Saw-Scaled Viper may be a small snake, but it packs quite a punch when it comes to toxicity! The viper is known to cause more human deaths than any other venomous snake worldwide. Due to its resemblance to dry leaves, many humans often end up stepping on it and getting bitten. The dangerous part about confronting this snake is its “ready-to-strike” aggressive behavior. When cornered, the creature wastes no time in delivering a deadly strike, injecting up to 12mg of venom. A mere 5mg of this lethal poison can severely damage tissues and cause blood clots, often leading to death.
- Where Are They Found? India, Middle East and Central Asia
- Number of Killings per Year: 5000 in India alone
See More: Types Of Snakes In The World
15. Box Jellyfish:
Getting into close proximity to a box jellyfish is any diver’s worst nightmare! The creature is notorious for killing its prey with its highly toxic tentacles with 5000 stinging cells. A sting from this animal can give acute pain to humans, leaving them paralysed. Many swimmers die of heart attacks even before they reach the shores and those who survive to suffer from permanent scars. The Australian Box Jellyfish and Chironex fleckeri are the two most lethal Jellyfish species, which have tentacles as long as 10 feet.
- Where Are They Found? Australia, Indo-Pacific Region
- Number of Killings per Year: 20-40 in Phillippines Alone
16. Elephant:
Elephants may look docile, but in reality, they are quite emotional creatures. They can ruthlessly attack humans, even their trainers when they undergo stress. An elephant in a musth state, where the testosterone levels go about 60 times higher than normal, can be quite aggressive. Female elephants can charge and attack humans when they sense danger to their young ones. Nothing can save you from a raging elephant other than your luck and destiny! These humongous creatures can trample you to death within seconds and even destroy homes.
- Where Are They Found? Asia, Africa
- Number of Killings per Year: 500
17. Scorpions:
Scorpions are one of the most savage animals on earth, which kill their prey with deadly venom. About 1500 species of Scorpions, 20-25 of them can pose a risk to human life with their lethal stings. This does not mean the rest are harmless! They have a stinger at the back of their tail, which contains poison which is a mix of multiple neurotoxins. A single sting can give you acute pain and lead to convulsions, paralysis and, in worst cases, death. Species like Bark Scorpion, Spitting Thicktail Black Scorpion and Deathstalker Scorpion are quite deadly!
- Where Are They Found? Deserts and dry areas of India, the U.S, Mexico Etc.
- Number of Killings per Year: 3250 Worldwide
18. Freshwater Snail:
Freshwater Snails are one of the most dangerous animals which can deceive you with their harmless looks and small size. In fact, records reveal that freshwater snails kill close to about 2 lakh humans a year! The snail carries a deadly parasite which causes a disease called schistosomiasis. When you enter the water containing these snails, the parasites leave the snail’s body and enter your system. The eggs start lodging in different tissues of humans leading to abdominal pain, blood in stools and in acute cases, even death.
- Where Are They Found? Africa, the United States and other countries
- Number of Killings per Year: 20,000 Worldwide
19. Blue-Ringed Octopus:
The Blue Ringed Octopus is one of the most deadly marine animals in the world. They can get their name from the bluish-black rings on the body. These creatures measure a mere 12 to 20cms in length but can kill a human instantly when provoked! Blue-ringed Octopus contains a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin which can paralyze a victim. Even accidental touch can be quite dangerous too! A single bite from this creature is potent enough to kill 20 fully grown humans, which indicates its toxicity.
- Where Are They Found? Indo-Pacific Regions
- Number of Killings per Year: About 3-4
20. Hippopotamus:
Although Hippos are generally labelled as Slow and lazy creatures, they are quite aggressive in reality. Despite its 1500kg (avg.) bulky body, a hippo can charge you at a speed of 48 mph, making it one of the most dangerous land animals to confront. However, Hippos don’t attack you without provocation! If they sense danger, they start “yawning”, which is a sign of threat! Hippos are known to attack small boats and drown unsuspecting tourists. The best thing you can do to stay safe is to keep away from Hippos, both on land and in the water!
- Where Are They Found? Africa, India, Europe
- Number of Killings per Year: 500 people in Africa alone
21. Stonefish:
A stonefish is one of the most venomous fish in the sea world. Firstly, it is hard to recognize this fish among the other stones on the sea-bed, thanks to its excellent camaflouge. This is why many swimmers accidentally touch this fish and get stung. The dorsal side of the fish has about 13 spines which can release venom. The sting can be quite painful, often leading to tissue damage, swelling and sometimes even death. Luckily, an anti-venom is made available to deal with stonefish stings, although dealing with pain is inevitable!
- Where Are They Found? Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Red Sea and Other water bodies
- Number of Killings per Year: 40-50
22. Cone Snail:
Cone snails are one of the most feared marine animals in the world! These deadly creatures are prized for their beautiful outer shells. But, if you unsuspectingly try to touch or pick it up from the sea bed, you may meet your death! Cone snails are highly toxic animals which can swiftly attack their prey using proboscis. When this needle-like projection pricks into human skin, we rarely feel pain due to the analgesic properties of the venom. However, within a few minutes, the venom might start its action and cause death within 5-8 hours.
- Where Are They Found? Waters of California, Mediterranean sea, Southern Africa etc.
- Number of Killings per Year: 20-30
23. Deer:
Deers are one of the most dangerous animals on earth! Yes, you read that right! These seemingly innocent creatures can put you into a whole lot of trouble if you venture too close to them. Deers are fiercely protective about their young ones and can attack if they sense harm from you. Also, bucks (male deer) get very aggressive during the mating season and can pin you down with their strong antlers. Deers are also responsible for causing many road accidents due to running around on the highways.
- Where Are They Found? Asia, America, Africa, Europe, South America
- Number of Killings per Year: 120
24. Komodo Dragon:
Komodo Dragon is often labelled as one of the meanest animals on earth due to its nasty hunting technique. The 10-foot long creature has a long, forked tongue which they use to inject deadly blood-clotting venom into the victim’s body. It then follows the prey and patiently waits until the other animal dies and starts eating it in leisure. Komodo dragons can run about 20 kmph and attack humans when they sense danger. However, these venomous creatures are known to lose the fear of humans and attack even when unprovoked.
- Where Are They Found? Asia and Africa
- Number of Killings: 5 (all records put together)
See More: Types of Spiders and their Names with Pictures
25. Brazillian Wandering Spider:
The Brazillian Wandering Spider has a fearsome reputation of being one of the most venomous spiders and even animals in the world. The spider gets its name from its wandering behavior of covering the entire forest floor in search of food. It is this wandering nature that poses a danger to humans who accidentally touch or step on it. The spider is quite aggressive and can immediately bite to release toxic venom. The symptoms start with acute pain and swelling, leading to convulsions, shock and even death within 30 minutes.
- Where Are They Found? North, South and Central America
- Number of Killings: 0 (as an anti-venom is available)
There is one more addition to this list of most dangerous animals which poses a major threat to our planet! Can you guess what is that? Humans! Yes, we humans are the most dangerous creatures on earth, responsible for wiping out about 70% of wildlife, along with killing our own species by lakhs each year. When it comes to destruction, no other animal can quite match up to the toxicity of the so-called “highly intelligent, superior” species!
So, According to you, which is the most dangerous animal on the planet? Do let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:
1. Which country has the highest number of dangerous animals?
Ans: Australia is home to some of the most deadliest creatures on the planet. From blue-ringed octopus to inland taipan (a venomous snake), box jellyfish, stonefish, redback spiders etc., this country has a reputation for having many dangerous animals.
2. Do animals attack, humans, even when unprovoked?
Ans: Animals usually attack humans as a self-defense mechanism. They bite or charge you when they perceive any threat to themselves or their young ones. It is unusual for animals to attack humans without any provocation. However, if you venture too deep into their natural habitat or accidentally get in their way, they may strike to protect their territory.
3. How many people are killed by lions each year?
Ans: African lions are known to attack humans venturing close to the forest area. There have been many records of lions hunting humans for food, particularly men who take cattle out for grazing. It is known that approximate 22 deaths happen due to lion attacks per year, owing to shrinking territorial sizes.
4. Are dogs dangerous to humans?
Ans: Depending on the upbringing of a dog, it can be either playful or aggressive. Some dogs like pit bulls, rottweilers, Dobermans, boxers etc., can attack humans. Lack of socializing can make them quite unfriendly to strangers and sometimes their owners as well!
DISCLAIMER:
The information published in this article is purely for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice on the subject.
