top 10 most dangerous animals
Wherever you look you will see an animal of some kind, they might not be visible but they are always there. When you are in the garden or in the middle of the desert or even in the ocean animals surround you. The majority of animals are harmless and sometimes even helpful to us but there are the animals that can be a big risk to humans. This article will show you the ones to avoid and how to stay alive, so pay attention if you value your life!
Article by Thomas
Article by Thomas
10. Great white
The Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) is known as the man killer of the deep but the fact is that the Great White doesn't actually kill that many people a year compared to other animals. The Great white usually just does a test bite to see if something is good for eating but humans are to bony for sharks but unfortunately they usually leave the person to bleed out so you normally die in the end. It is the second most universally known predator in the world
What it looks like:
Much like the name says the shark is white on its underside whilst grey on the top to blend in. The shark is pointy with three fins and a vertical tail that distinguishes it from the dolphin. Eyes are on the side of its head with a large mouth that contains 300 sharp teeth
Where's it found:
It is found in oceans all over the world but is mainly the southern oceans as they are warmer in temperature. The main lands they are around is Australia, The Pacific Islands, South Africa, South America.
How to avoid it:
The best way to avoid the shark is to swim with friends or at a patrolled beach. If you are being circled by a shark you should stay still and just make yourself seem as small of a threat as possible. If attacked hit the nose or the eyes as they are sensitive points for a shark in general.
What it looks like:
Much like the name says the shark is white on its underside whilst grey on the top to blend in. The shark is pointy with three fins and a vertical tail that distinguishes it from the dolphin. Eyes are on the side of its head with a large mouth that contains 300 sharp teeth
Where's it found:
It is found in oceans all over the world but is mainly the southern oceans as they are warmer in temperature. The main lands they are around is Australia, The Pacific Islands, South Africa, South America.
How to avoid it:
The best way to avoid the shark is to swim with friends or at a patrolled beach. If you are being circled by a shark you should stay still and just make yourself seem as small of a threat as possible. If attacked hit the nose or the eyes as they are sensitive points for a shark in general.
9. cape buffalo
The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer) is one of Africa's Big Five game as they where extremely hard to hunt as they are extremely unpredictable. These beasts gore 200 people to death every year. They are extremely large and are very protective of young. They have been known to kill lions that attack there young. They are not related to any other type of Buffalo or Domestic Cow with leaves a big question mark where it came from and its evolution path.
What it looks like:
It is a large animal that looks like a cow but with large horns and slightly larger with a darker coloured hide. The ears are larger to let heat escape and shorter legs then other types of bulls.
Where's it found:
It is found throughout Africa but mainly concentrated in the central band. it stays more in the fertile fields or forests instead of the Savannah. this is as its not so hot there and less threats.
How to avoid it:
These animals are extremely unpredictable which is why they kill so many people a year. The best way to stay safe is to stay in a car or just try to avoid getting close so you don't provoke them. it you are charged try to move to the side so that it misses and don't try to out run it. If one looks agitated just back away slowly maintaining eye contact and staying low.
What it looks like:
It is a large animal that looks like a cow but with large horns and slightly larger with a darker coloured hide. The ears are larger to let heat escape and shorter legs then other types of bulls.
Where's it found:
It is found throughout Africa but mainly concentrated in the central band. it stays more in the fertile fields or forests instead of the Savannah. this is as its not so hot there and less threats.
How to avoid it:
These animals are extremely unpredictable which is why they kill so many people a year. The best way to stay safe is to stay in a car or just try to avoid getting close so you don't provoke them. it you are charged try to move to the side so that it misses and don't try to out run it. If one looks agitated just back away slowly maintaining eye contact and staying low.
8. lion
The Lion (Panthera Leo) is the worlds most known predator in the animal kingdom. The lion is the second biggest cat behind the tiger but the lion is the ruler of the savanna. The lion kills many people a year but the number that they kill remains a mystery. These powerful beasts are very territorial and will protect there pride at all costs. They are very fast and have a powerful jaw bite that will bite through bone.
What it looks like:
The Female lions are very different to the males but they have similarity. All lions are a dust brown in colour and have a cat like face. The males have massive manes that distinguish them from the females.
Where's it found:
It is found in all of Africa apart from the Sahara, they are also found in the middle east and they are found in a small national park in India. They use to be found all across the globe being the second most universal animal behind humans. They are found in shady parts of Africa and near game for food
How to avoid it:
They usually avoid us as they have plenty of food but if provoked or hungry the lion will kill people without hesitation. There is nothing that you can really do if attacked unless you have a weapon but pray. they will multiple people a year but if treated properly are safe to be around.
What it looks like:
The Female lions are very different to the males but they have similarity. All lions are a dust brown in colour and have a cat like face. The males have massive manes that distinguish them from the females.
Where's it found:
It is found in all of Africa apart from the Sahara, they are also found in the middle east and they are found in a small national park in India. They use to be found all across the globe being the second most universal animal behind humans. They are found in shady parts of Africa and near game for food
How to avoid it:
They usually avoid us as they have plenty of food but if provoked or hungry the lion will kill people without hesitation. There is nothing that you can really do if attacked unless you have a weapon but pray. they will multiple people a year but if treated properly are safe to be around.
7. box jellyfish
The Box Jellyfish (Cabozoa) is very different to many jellyfish. First it is box shaped and second it is extremely fast by jellyfish standards. They hold an extremely powerful poison in the tentacle which hurts a lot if stung and can sometimes lead to death. Unlike other jellyfish it hunts it prey instead of waiting for it to come to the jellyfish.
What it looks like:
True to its name the Box Jellyfish is box shaped in the top whilst is has long tentacles that hold the venom. The jellyfish usually only has four tentacles instead of multiple like other jellyfish.
Where's it found:
They are found in the ocean in warmer tropical waters. The main place that they are found are in the Indo-Pacific area as these are warmed but some have been found in the Mediterranean. They are found closer to the coast as food is found easy.
How to avoid it:
The Box Jellyfish is quite small and can get almost any where so the best way to avoid it is to swim in Jellyfish nets so that it can't get to you. If you are stung by it you should run water or vinegar over the sting then seek medical attention.
What it looks like:
True to its name the Box Jellyfish is box shaped in the top whilst is has long tentacles that hold the venom. The jellyfish usually only has four tentacles instead of multiple like other jellyfish.
Where's it found:
They are found in the ocean in warmer tropical waters. The main place that they are found are in the Indo-Pacific area as these are warmed but some have been found in the Mediterranean. They are found closer to the coast as food is found easy.
How to avoid it:
The Box Jellyfish is quite small and can get almost any where so the best way to avoid it is to swim in Jellyfish nets so that it can't get to you. If you are stung by it you should run water or vinegar over the sting then seek medical attention.
6. Tse-tse fly
The Tse-Tse fly (Glossinidae Glossina) is the blood sucker of Africa and by far the most annoying one. It is one of the few insects that actually feed on blood and relays on it to raise there young. It is one of the most studied insects in the world due to its numbers.
What it looks like:
The fly is considerably larger then other fly's growing up to 1.5 cm long. it is lighter in colour then other flies and folds its wings back for storage. it also has a large proboscis the pierce skin. It has large eyes and a different type of wing.
Where's it found:
It is found in Africa only in between the Sahara and Kalahari Desert. The area they are found in is being eradicated as the fly's are killed so livestock can grow. They also breed irregularly depending on the food supply.
How to avoid it:
There is no way to stop these fly's getting to you, they are relentless. The best way to avoid them is to avoid the area completely or go in the winter months when numbers are lower than usual. If you are bitten by one you should seek medical attention as the contain chronic diseases that are very nasty for humans and animals.
What it looks like:
The fly is considerably larger then other fly's growing up to 1.5 cm long. it is lighter in colour then other flies and folds its wings back for storage. it also has a large proboscis the pierce skin. It has large eyes and a different type of wing.
Where's it found:
It is found in Africa only in between the Sahara and Kalahari Desert. The area they are found in is being eradicated as the fly's are killed so livestock can grow. They also breed irregularly depending on the food supply.
How to avoid it:
There is no way to stop these fly's getting to you, they are relentless. The best way to avoid them is to avoid the area completely or go in the winter months when numbers are lower than usual. If you are bitten by one you should seek medical attention as the contain chronic diseases that are very nasty for humans and animals.
5. African elephant
The African Elephant (Elephantidae Loxodonta) is the world's most iconic mammal but it has a dark side. It kills many people a year by its pure size and they are extremely dangerous when upset. They are extremely protective of young and will kill anyone that attacks them.
What it looks like:
The Elephant is a huge mammal (Largest and mammal) weighing up to 7 tonne with a height of 4 meters tall. Its most obvious feature is its large trunk that is in all elephants and its large ears. It is grey in colour and the male has large ivory tusk's.
Where's it found:
They are found widely distributed around Africa in large herds an mainly where there is water. They are in a variety of environments making them one of the most versatile mammals in environment adaptation.
How to avoid it:
The African Elephant gives signs that it is unhappy with your presence. It will raise its trunk and look at you the entire time to make sure you don't move. If an Elephant charges you just run for it as they are slow but can maintain a good pace. Once you are far enough away it will give up chase.
What it looks like:
The Elephant is a huge mammal (Largest and mammal) weighing up to 7 tonne with a height of 4 meters tall. Its most obvious feature is its large trunk that is in all elephants and its large ears. It is grey in colour and the male has large ivory tusk's.
Where's it found:
They are found widely distributed around Africa in large herds an mainly where there is water. They are in a variety of environments making them one of the most versatile mammals in environment adaptation.
How to avoid it:
The African Elephant gives signs that it is unhappy with your presence. It will raise its trunk and look at you the entire time to make sure you don't move. If an Elephant charges you just run for it as they are slow but can maintain a good pace. Once you are far enough away it will give up chase.
4. hippo
The Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibious) is the mammal that kill's the most people per year compared to other animals. This amphibious creature is the last of its kind. This animal spends most of the day in the shallows of the water but at night come out to feed on the grass but has been seen eating other hippos. They seem slow but can run at 20 km/h.
What it looks like:
It is a large mammal that has quite a lot blubber for energy and protection. They have large mouths with two sharp teeth that are used if eating meat. They have webbed feet but they are actually terrible swimmers. They have a snout and whiskers to feel stuff in the water.
Where's it found:
The Hippo use the found all throughout Africa except for the Sahara including the Nile. Now days they are only found in very small water pockets as poaching has severely decreased there numbers.
How to avoid it:
Hippos are extremely dangerous animal and attack people for absolutely no reason. They also have destroyed entire vehicles and can run very fast. If they do attack just run for your life and keep away from the mouth. If a Hippo does hit you lye still and seek medical attention after as they do a lot of damage with there teeth.
What it looks like:
It is a large mammal that has quite a lot blubber for energy and protection. They have large mouths with two sharp teeth that are used if eating meat. They have webbed feet but they are actually terrible swimmers. They have a snout and whiskers to feel stuff in the water.
Where's it found:
The Hippo use the found all throughout Africa except for the Sahara including the Nile. Now days they are only found in very small water pockets as poaching has severely decreased there numbers.
How to avoid it:
Hippos are extremely dangerous animal and attack people for absolutely no reason. They also have destroyed entire vehicles and can run very fast. If they do attack just run for your life and keep away from the mouth. If a Hippo does hit you lye still and seek medical attention after as they do a lot of damage with there teeth.
3. saltwater croc
The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the worlds most feared reptile and by far the largest. This beast kills 400 people a year and is one of the highest killers. They are most famous for the Death Roll which very little animals survive. They live in rivers and around the coast wherever they can.
What it looks like:
The Saltie has scales like all other crocodiles that is brown when dry but are dark green whilst in water. They have a larger snout then other crocodiles and a wider mouth. It is the largest of all crocodiles and reptiles and there tails a striped.
Where's it found:
They are found in the Northern Australia, Indonesian Islands, PNG and southern Asia. They are found mainly around the coast in saltwater so that is where they got there name. They are most famous in the Northern Territory then any where else.
How to avoid it:
These animals are extremely territorial and will treat anything in it as prey. The only chance of survival is if you can stay away from the crocodile. If you are bitten go seek medical attention. If the crocodile does get a hold on you there is very little chance of survival and the only hope is to lye still and pretend to be dead. This is because they leave there food out to rot so that is your chance of escape.
What it looks like:
The Saltie has scales like all other crocodiles that is brown when dry but are dark green whilst in water. They have a larger snout then other crocodiles and a wider mouth. It is the largest of all crocodiles and reptiles and there tails a striped.
Where's it found:
They are found in the Northern Australia, Indonesian Islands, PNG and southern Asia. They are found mainly around the coast in saltwater so that is where they got there name. They are most famous in the Northern Territory then any where else.
How to avoid it:
These animals are extremely territorial and will treat anything in it as prey. The only chance of survival is if you can stay away from the crocodile. If you are bitten go seek medical attention. If the crocodile does get a hold on you there is very little chance of survival and the only hope is to lye still and pretend to be dead. This is because they leave there food out to rot so that is your chance of escape.
2. snakes
Snakes (Serpentes) are the most deadly reptile by far. They are numerous in types and some highly venomous. The snakes that are found around are different due to there environments and will act differently to humans. Most will stay away but some will attack. Snakes kill multiple people a year and
What they look like:
Snakes are elongated animals that are legless. The snakes have many scales that overlap as protection and distinguish the types of snakes. Snakes come in many shapes and sizes and the scales tell the difference between them.
Where they are found:
Snakes are almost everywhere around the world except in cold climates. this makes them one of the most versatile animals in the world. They will stay in anything that is warm to maintain body heat.
How to avoid them:
Make sure you check your shoes and clothes when in the bush to make sure a snake isn't there. If you are bitten you should put the area under tension band and go seek medical attention before effects take place. Also to get a description of the snake so they know what anti-venom to use.
What they look like:
Snakes are elongated animals that are legless. The snakes have many scales that overlap as protection and distinguish the types of snakes. Snakes come in many shapes and sizes and the scales tell the difference between them.
Where they are found:
Snakes are almost everywhere around the world except in cold climates. this makes them one of the most versatile animals in the world. They will stay in anything that is warm to maintain body heat.
How to avoid them:
Make sure you check your shoes and clothes when in the bush to make sure a snake isn't there. If you are bitten you should put the area under tension band and go seek medical attention before effects take place. Also to get a description of the snake so they know what anti-venom to use.
1. Mosquito
The Mosquito (Culicidae) is the worlds biggest killer killing 2 million people a year. That is 10 000 times more people then the Cape Buffalo. They carry many diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. They are the most deadly in the world by everyone standards and is by far No. 1.
What it looks like:
The Mosquito is a small blood sucking insect. They have a large proboscis that points forward and have large hexagonal eyes for better sight. The males have special antennas to pick up if females are near by.
Where's it found:
The Mosquito is found in every single continent around the world including Antarctica. They are most numerous in the tropical climates and warmer areas. They are active all year round in warm climates but hibernate in cold winters in other places.
How to avoid it:
Mosquito's are probably the most unavoidable insect on the planet. They are relentless when it comes to getting a meal. The best way to try and stop them is strong insect repellent or stay indoors. If you do fell sick after a bite seek medical attention instantly as they carry malaria and yellow fever.
What it looks like:
The Mosquito is a small blood sucking insect. They have a large proboscis that points forward and have large hexagonal eyes for better sight. The males have special antennas to pick up if females are near by.
Where's it found:
The Mosquito is found in every single continent around the world including Antarctica. They are most numerous in the tropical climates and warmer areas. They are active all year round in warm climates but hibernate in cold winters in other places.
How to avoid it:
Mosquito's are probably the most unavoidable insect on the planet. They are relentless when it comes to getting a meal. The best way to try and stop them is strong insect repellent or stay indoors. If you do fell sick after a bite seek medical attention instantly as they carry malaria and yellow fever.