Did you ever think of what could be the deadliest species ever? Or what kills the most annually? Look no further! There’s always a few animals that continuously steal the top spots on various lists of the world’s dangerous and deadliest species. While great sharks, snakes, and bears may be experienced predators, there are just as many little-known yet equally threatening animals lurking in the world!
Majority of large animals are capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal is capable of causing a terrible injury. Even cute, fuzzy animals can be dangerous: a bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be quite nasty, and a few years ago, a man in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to hold the animal to get a good picture with it.
Commonly, dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, a mother with offspring to protect, and males of some species in mating season. Even calm domestic animals can be dangerous in some cases. A horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as wolves and hyenas have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range..
Here, you’ll find the top species with the deadliest track record. You may be surprised what made the list!
Blue-Ringed Octopus
Did you ever think of what could be the deadliest species ever? Or what kills the most annually? Look no further! There’s always a few animals that continuously steal the top spots on various lists of the world’s dangerous and deadliest species. While great sharks, snakes, and bears may be experienced predators, there are just as many little-known yet equally threatening animals lurking in the world!
Majority of large animals are capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal is capable of causing a terrible injury. Even cute, fuzzy animals can be dangerous: a bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be quite nasty, and a few years ago, a man in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to hold the animal to get a good picture with it.
Commonly, dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, a mother with offspring to protect, and males of some species in mating season. Even calm domestic animals can be dangerous in some cases. A horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as wolves and hyenas have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range..
Here, you’ll find the top species with the deadliest track record. You may be surprised what made the list!
Blue-Ringed Octopus
Portuguese Man Oâ War
Great White Shark
The Great White Shark is a predator that can be found all over the Earth, more specifically coastal oceans. Both male and females can grow to a very large animal, however, the females can grow slightly larger than the males. Females can grow up to 20 feet (6.1 m) in length and weigh up to 4,300 pounds (1,950 kg). The Great White is responsible for the largest number of recorded shark bites on human beings. Although Great Whites do not normally seek out humans as food, humans are normally just “test-bitten” by the shark when attacked.
Cape Buffalo
Cape Buffalo is found in sub-saharan Africa. They are normally relatively calm and they travel in herds. However, if an individual buffalo is injured, they become insane killers. Perfectly nicknamed, the Black Death, Cape Buffalo kill more hunters in Africa than any other animal. They will continue to attack even if you injure them. These behemoths can grow up to 6 feet long and weight nearly a ton.
Deathstalker
This scorpion certainly has a fitting name, the Deathstalker. This highly venomous scorpion is found in North Africa and the Middle East. The venom of this guy contains a high level of neurotoxins. One sting to a grown adult, although extremely painful, will most likely not kill. However, a sting to a child, or the elderly, may be lethal. There is an anti-venom, however, sometimes the venom is resistant to the treatment.
Giant Pacific Octopus
One of the largest octopi on earth is the Giant Pacific Octopus. This octopus has 8 arms, all of which are lined with two rows of suckers. The suckers are then lined with hooks to capture its prey. In the center of the arms is a mouth that contains a beak and a toothed-tongue. Although not known to attack humans, this octopus is strong enough to feed on tiny sharks.
Cone Snail
The Cone Snail can be found in warm waters near the equator. They are normally seen in shallow depths close to the shore around rock formations and coral reefs. Although tempting, if you see one do not touch it! The snails have harpoon-like teeth which contain a venom called conotoxin. The toxin stops nerve cells from communicating and can cause paralysis almost immediately. There is no antivenin.
Siafu Ant
We still can’t close out the hypercar trifecta because Ferrari had to insert another one of its models in the 210+ mph bracket. You’re looking at the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, a front-engined, rear-wheel drive Italian powerhouse that absolutely inhales roadways. A 6.3-liter V12 churns out 731 horses and 508 lb-ft of torque while a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission gets power to the tarmac. 0 to 60 mph will take 3.6 seconds and the quarter mile is done and dusted in 11.3 seconds.
Saw-Scaled Viper
The Saw-Scaled Viper kills more people than any other snake each year. Although it only grows to 1-3 feet long, its venomous bite can do lots of damage. Their venom contains hemotoxins and cytotoxins, which leads to multiple bleeding disorders including the possibility of an intracranial hemorrhage. Many of these snakes are found in areas where modern medicine is not found. Therefore, victims sometimes suffer a long, painful death.
African Lion
The African Lion lives in groups called prides and can weigh 265 to 420 pounds. These animals are very territorial. The males will protect the land and the pride, while the females hunt for food. Although rare, there are accounts of lions eating man. Due to its cunning hunting skills, speed and strength, if targeted by an African Lion a person stands little chance of survival.
Inland Taipan
Assassin Bug
The Assassin bug is perfectly named as it kills around 12,000 people each year. Although its bite does not directly kill, the disease it carries does. The assassin bug, also known as the kissing bug, carries the Chagas Disease. Chagas Disease is a parasitic infection, and if left untreated can be fatal. However, there is no vaccine for the disease. Prevention is focused on decreasing the bugs contact with humans by using sprays and paints that contain insecticides, as well as improving sanitary conditions.
Flower Urchin
The flower urchin, or scientifically known as the Toxopneustes pileolus, is commonly found in the Indo-West Pacific. The name was given to the creature because if its numerous and distinctively flower-like, which are normally pinkish or yellowish white. The urchin normally inhabits coral reefs, sea grass beds or rocky environments. Although they may look pretty, do not touch. When touched they deliver a very painful sting causing debilitating pain.
Africanized Honey Bee
Mosquito
Many people see mosquitoes just as tiny annoyances. However, they are actually much more dangerous than most people perceive. The World Health Organization has reported that close to 725,000 people each year are killed by mosquito-born diseases. Hundreds of millions have been affected with malaria, many of which die for the disease. The bug also carries deadly diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis.
Black Mamba
The Black Mamba is found in the savannas and rocky areas in southern and eastern Africa. It can grow up to 14 feet long and can slither up to 12.5 mph, making it the fastest snake in all the planet. Although it only attacks when it is provoked, when it does attack beware. The Black Mamba will bite several times, delivering enough toxins to kill 10 people. There is a antivenin but it must be received within 20 minutes.
Tsetse Fly
The Tsetse Fly is found in Sub-Saharan African countries. The flies, like mosquitoes, feed other other animal’s blood. However, it’s not the bite that will harm you, it’s the parasites they spread that are so harmful. The parasite known as Trypanosomes are the direct cause for African Sleeping Sickness. The sickness leads to behavioral changes, poor coordination, trouble sleeping, and if not treated, death. The only way to prevent a bite is to wear neutral colors, avoid bushes during the day, and use permethrin-treated gear.
Stonefish
The Stonefish is one of the most venomous fish. Mainly found on the coasts in the Indo-Pacific oceans, stonefish get their name from its ability to camouflage itself amongst the rocks. Due to its camouflage, swimmers may not see the fish and accidentally step on it. Unfortunately, this normally does not end well for the swimmer. The Stonefish has needle-like dorsal fin spines which secrete neurotoxins when disturbed. There is an anti-venom, and if the sting is minimal, hot water may also destroy the venom.
Saltwater Crocodiles
The Saltwater Crocodile inhabits the Indo-Pacific Ocean waters. This croc can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh more than a ton. Although contradictory to their name, they can swim in both salt and freshwater, and can strike a bite delivering 3,700 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. That amount of pressure is close to the strength of a T. Rex! Crocodiles are responsible for more human deaths than sharks.
Dogs
Dogs truly are a man’s best friend. They love you unconditionally no matter what your faults are. However, they can also be very dangerous. Dogs kill roughly 25,000 people each year, the majority of which died from rabies. The prevalence of infection where rabies is well contained, such as North America and Western Europes, is very low. However, there are other countries that have a high rate of stray dogs, like India, where 20,000 people die from rabies each year.
Tarantula Hawk
Hippopotamus
Although the Hippopotamus is mostly a herbivorous mammal, they can be very dangerous. The Hippo is very aggressive and territorial. Due to its large stature (it is the third-largest land mammal), sharp teeth and good mobility, it can be a deadly creature. Males can average around 3,300 pounds (1,497 kg). Many reports have been made about Hippos attacking people both in the water and on land. Therefore, its best to stay away if you see one, in the wild.
Polar Bear
From zoos and media, people have become to know polar bears as cute and cuddly creatures. However, their natural instinct is just the opposite. The are the most carnivorous species in the bear family, and the most likely to attack humans. However, unless you plan to take a trip to the Arctic, you do not have to worry about becoming a polar bear’s dinner. Polar bears can weigh up to 1,750 pounds (800 kg).
King Cobra
The King Cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake. It is predominantly found in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. The King Cobra’s venom’s toxins attack the victim’s central nervous system resulting in pain, vertigo and eventually paralysis. It has been reported that death can occur as short as 30 minutes without the antivenin. The toxin is so deadly, it could even kill a large elephant.
Pufferfish
Better known as blowfish, Pufferfish are found in tropical seas all over the world. They are the second most poisonous vertebrae in the world. Their poison, called tetrodoxin, is found in the fish’s skin, muscle tissue, liver, kidneys and gonads. Tetrodoxin is over 1,000 times more poisonous than cyanide. However, chefs have still found ways to cook the fish, and it is considered a delicacy in places like Japan. Chefs must be licensed to do this, but accidental deaths from eating it still happen.
Box Jellyfish
Box Jellyfish are considered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration one of the most venomous marine animals in the world. Found in the Indo-Pacific waters north of Australia, the nearly invisible jellyfish contains up to 15 tentacles each growing up to 10 feet long. Each tentacle is lined with stingers that contain toxins that can attack the heart, nervous system and skin cells. There is an antivenin, however, many of its victims go into shock and drown.
Golden Poison Dart Frog
The Golden Poison Dart Frogs are found on Colombia’s Pacific coast, and only grow to approximately the size of a paperclip. However, don’t let its small size fool you. This tiny frog has enough poison in it’s body to kill 10 grown men. It only takes 2 micrograms to kill one individual. That amount of liquid would fit onto the head of a pin. Â The frog releases the poison out of glands beneath its skin. Therefore, one touch can kill you.
Hyena
The Hyena is a very intelligent animal. Hyenas can weigh up to 190 pounds and their bite is capable of breaking bones. Although they normally do not attack people, they will if they perceive the human as hurt, sick or incapacitated. Their ability to coordinate hunts enables them to easily capture and kill their prey. However, there are many African people who have learned to live peacefully amongst the hyenas, and even keeping some as pets.
Bullet Ant
The bullet ant, which was named for its powerful sting is found in humid lowland rainforests in parts of South America. The sting from one ant causes immediately and extreme pain. Their stings attack the central nervous system and can cause paralysis. One sting could incapacitate a full grown man. However, some South American tribes use the sting as initiation rites to become warriors.
Gray Wolf
The Gray Wolf is amongst one of Eurasia’s and North America’s most feared predators. They are about the size of a medium-to-large-sized dog, and travel in packs. What makes them such good predators is their sense of smell. They can smell their prey from a far distance, and then coordinate attacks with their pack. Wolf attacks on humans are rare, but when they do attack, they can be deadly and are normally directed towards small children.
The Cookie Cutter Shark
This is a little bioluminescent shark with its neatly arranged serrated teeth. In the ocean, it inhabits the ‘twilight zone’, up to 1000 metres below the surface. Despite its cute name, it is a dangerous creature, which preys on big fishes, whales, dolphins and from time to time on humans, latching onto them before gouging out cookie-sized chunks of flesh.
Red Spiny Crab
These bright red crabs are not actually crabs but relate to hermit crabs, although this hermit has traded in its shell for gnarly spikes to protect itself from the dangerous predators lurking in the deep.
Dumbo Octopus
Just like Dumbo in the Disney movie, this little octopus can flap its ears to move, gliding gracefully in the deep dark waters of the abyss.
Zombie Worms
Zombie worms were known before as they are commonly found in the decaying remains of whales on the ocean floor. They burrow into the bones of big mammals to reach the sustenance within them. With no functioning mouths, guts or anuses, they have bacteria that digest the food for them.
Red Coffin Fish
This stunning red coffinfish is the deepest one ever collected in Australia and could be a new species entirely. With its bluish eyes and red feet, it belongs to the anglerfish group. It attracts unsuspecting prey using a fishing rod tipped with a fluffy bait on top of its head. When threatened coffinfishes often inflate themselves with water to look more threatening.
The Dragonfish
 This dragonfish was found early in the expedition and is probably the most scary-looking creature recovered by the scientists.
Sea Pig
A herd of sea pigs was spotted in the Freycinet Marine Reserve off Tasmania. These are cute little pink creatures that act as the ocean’s vacuum cleaners, using their tube like feet to move across the abyssal mud. They are the only type of sea cucumber with ‘feet’ and can gather in great numbers where food is abundant in the abyss.
Flesh Eating Crustaceans
These crustaceans are deep sea scavengers – they eat almost anything they can find, including the decaying flesh of dead whales, which drifted down the abyss from above.
Peanut Worms
These crustaceans are deep sea scavengers – they eat almost anything they can find, including the decaying flesh of dead whales, which drifted down the abyss from above.
Tapeworms
Moving to parasites, the tapeworm is responsible for an infection called cysticerosis that kills an estimated 700 people a year.
Fresh Water Snails
The freshwater snail carries parasitic worms that infect people with a disease called schistosomiasis that can cause intense abdominal pain and blood in the stool or urine, depending on the area that’s affected. Millions of people contract the infection, and the WHO estimates that anywhere between 20,000 and 200,000 deaths can be attributed to schistosomiasis.
Australian Box Jellyfish
The Indo-Pacific or Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) is the most poisonous marine animal known to mankind, and its sting can kill a human. It can be found in Australia’s northern oceans and throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. It has up to 60 tentacles, each growing as long as 15 feet. 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.
Cape Buffalo
The Cape buffalo, found in Africa, is sometimes called “black death,” being one of the most dangerous animals on land. It is extremely aggressive and unpredictable. It can weigh between 900 to 1800 pounds.
Elephant
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.
African Lion
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.
Piranha
This voracious predator, with its interlocking razor-sharp teeth and aggressive temperament, is among the animal kingdom’s deadliest.
Gorilla
When an alpha male gorilla is challenged, he may stand upright, throw things, make aggressive charges and pound his huge chest while barking out powerful hoots or unleashing a frightening roar.
Lynx
Spending most of its life alone, the lynx is solitary but deadly. For a relatively small cat (measuring up to three feet long), it can take on prey as big as deer.
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
The tarantula hawk wasp has one of the most painful stings of any insect on the planet. It eats tarantula spiders and is the largest wasp in the world.
Tokay Gecko
This colorful lizard is an aggressive predator, feeding on insects and small animals with its strong, sharp-toothed jaw. Its name refers to the call it makes, which sounds like “to-kay.”
Raccoon
The sensitive hands of the raccoon help it see what it touches. Raccoons are so perceptive, they can hunt in pitch blackness, and can break into the toughest of shells without any thumbs.
Vultures
With their bone-shredding beaks and killer team tactics, these deadly scavengers are not to be trifled with.
Tarsier
The rarely seen tarsier has tiny, pointed teeth for crunching through its prey. Its eyes are bigger than its own brain, and are used for spotting prey in the dark.
Black Eagle
When black eagles hunt, they use all kinds of methods to disorient their prey. Often, they will fly into the sun so their prey will not be able to see them coming. The black eagle’s eyesight is second to none.
Water Monitor
Water monitors can swim, sprint, and climb. They’re one of the largest lizards in the world and have infecting saliva and a killer bite.