Natural Born Killers Who Will Give You Goosebumps

Although most people don’t think about it very much, the world is a dangerous place. Of course there is crime; there is disease. There are accidents and natural disasters – all bad – right? Yes! Of course – but because many of us now-a-days live in urban centers, we have forgotten how lethal the world can be. Once you step outside your front door and venture into woods, lakes, oceans or mountains – there’s a good chance you’ll have at least one creature you’ll have to watch out for, or suffer the consequences. Many animals will only attack when provoked, while others are on a one-man mission to bite you, infect you and generally ruin your life. So be careful out there!

Strangler Octopus

Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Blue-Ringed octopus is amongst the most venomous creatures in the deep blue sea. So if the blue-ringed octopus feels under attack, they will strike and essentially asphyxiate the victim with their venom – as it paralyzes respiratory muscles.

Floating Terror

Also known as a ‘blue bottle’ or a ‘floating terror’, the Portuguese Man of War is not actually a jellyfish but a siphonphore. A Portuguese Man of War will sting you, leaving large welts and almost whip-like marks on the skin. Apart from the reported searing pain, sometimes the venom will make its way to lymph nodes, causing cold-like symptons. They are found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Here Comes Trouble

Found in coastal sea waters around the world, the Great White shark doesn’t necessarily want to eat humans, but they are quite happy to have a taste. Known for the largest percentage of attacks on people, they are formidable creatures with females sometimes weighing in at over 4000 lbs.

Buffaloes with an Axe to Grind

Found in Sub-Saharan Africa, Cape buffalo are known for their stealth and intelligence. They will kill humans, lions and other large game – sometimes remembering an animal or human they encountered years before. At times weighing in at more than a ton – these animals are a deadly opponent.

No Teddy Bear

To dispel any myths about Polar bears and their relative approach-ability, at they are more likely (than other bears) to attack people. Surviving on a very meaty diet, they at times weigh close to 2000 lbs. On the up side, unless you live in the Arctic, you are unlikely to meet one.

Not So Gentle Giant

Predominantly found in central Africa, gorillas are best treated with caution. Although generally gentle and leaf-munching, gorillas will attack and cause serious injury if they feel threatened. An adult male can reach up to a weight of 400 lbs – no joke when accompanied by powerful hands and sharp teeth.

Tse Tse Fly Away

Inhabiting all of tropical Africa, the Tse Tse fly is known for its bite. A parasite, it needs the blood of a vertebrate (i.e. people, buffalo…) to survive. They won’t help you burn fat, but they will give you a nasty disease. They are a major ‘vector’ (or pathway) for the transmission of various ailments and diseases, among them sleeping sickness in humans and animals alike.

Dragons Do Exist

This imposing lizard is not too fussed about what’s for dinner, but will eat just about anything (including humans). A patient hunter, the Komodo dragon will take their time with a kill and wait until the victim has bled to death. Found in the Indonesian islands, they can weigh up to 150lbs. Part of the monitor lizard family called Varanidae, they are unchallenged as the largest lizards in the world!

Natural Born Killer Bees

The Africanized Honey Bee, originally introduced to Brazil in the 50’s as part of an effort to increase honey production, is a hybrid of various African and European bee species. Frankenstein-style, tens of swarms of the new ‘Killer Bee’ (as it came to be known for its aggressive behavior) escaped captivity and spread throughout the Americas. This tiny creature has been known to chase and kill humans and horses amongst other animals.

Not the Ideal Mate

There is actually a whole family of spiders called ‘widow spiders’. Scattered across the globe, from Africa, to Australia and America – they have a tendency to eat their mates. Moreover their venomous bite packs a punch with the help of latrotoxin; the illness which then infects the victim is painful and sometimes even fatal. If you want to grow old enough to need a face lift – stay away from Black Widows.

This Scorpion Means Business

The colorfully named Deathstalker Scorpion lives in the Middle East and Africa. Although rarely dangerous to adults, a bite will have enough venom in it to endanger the lives of children and the elderly. Packed full of neurotoxins, the poison will send some victims into anaphylactic shock; some might be lucky enough to receive the anti-venom.

Mosquito Blues

Mosquitoes do a lot more than ruin the summer, each year they are responsible for about ¾ of a million deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Spreading terrible diseases like malaria and yellow fever – they are a deadly nuisance. How do you burn fat? Get bitten by a malaria-ridden mosquito and you’ll find out.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Not often mentioned in American statistics, people die every year from a dog bite. In places like India some 20,000 people have been known to die in a single year from a dog bite, whereas in Europe or America it might only be a few. Dogs are ‘man’s best friend’, but they also carry some frightening diseases, rabies being the most famous and most lethal.

Crocodiles Bite

Despite its name, the Saltwater crocodile can live happily in salty or fresh water – but is most often found in the Indian-Pacific Ocean. Often reaching a size of over 20 feet and sometimes weighing more than a ton – its bite is so powerful, some say it’s like being bitten by a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Golden Poison Dart Frog: Not So Pretty

With the tiniest amount of poison (about 2 micrograms) this little frog can make another animal’s heart stop. Although you might be tempted to touch these beautiful, multi-colored little creatures – don’t! The poison isn’t hidden – but waiting for unsuspecting victims on the frog’s skin…

Cone Snails: Definitely Not Escargot

These little creatures may look sweet and even attractive, but they are part of a family of predatory sea snails. No current anti-venom exists for these critters – whose venom can cause complete paralysis. Inhabiting warm and tropical seas worldwide, everyone should beware.

Mamba Not Samba

Despite its funky name – the Black Mamba snake is no joke. Sometimes growing to a length of 14 feet, the black mamba is huge. Quick on his belly (slithering over 12 miles an hour) this snake is also the speediest in the world. If you asked a Black Mamba ‘How do you burn fat?’ – he would say ‘by chasing breakfast, lunch and dinner’. Although there is an antivenin, steer clear – as each snake contains enough venom to kill a dozen people.

Beware of Blowfish

Although they work well as cartoons, don’t be deceived – Blowfish are among the most poisonous vertebrates in the world. With a poison (tetrodotoxin) which is more powerful than cyanide, they have few predators. Unbelievably it is possible to eat them in places like Japan and China, where specially trained chefs apparently know which bits are safe!

Little Shop of Horrors

Living the longest out of any octopus species, the Giant Pacific octopus is like something from ‘A Little Shop of Horrors’. With often up to 600 lbs of body weight, he is a formidable predator. With sucker-covered legs he catches his prey – but then feeds through his gigantic mouth which contains radula or a ‘toothed-tongue’. Scary!

A Real Assassin

Euphemistically called the ‘kissing bug’, the Assassin bug loves to bite people on the face, near the mouth. The ensuing parasitic infection can be fatal; approximately 12,000 people a year die from an Assassin bite.

Not So Cute and Cuddly

The second largest seal in the Antarctic, the Leopard seal is a serious predator. Despite looking sweet and furry, this seal sports long, sharp teeth, and is one of the most dangerous marine animals around.

Vampires are Real

Well with a name like that, expect the worst. The Vampire bat is essentially everyone’s worst nightmare; they will aggressively pursue any means to bite and have a tall drink of blood. Apart from the obvious drawbacks of being bitten by a bat – they often spread infection to their victims – charming.

Lion King

Think of the movie ‘Lion King’ and you aren’t far off. Just imagine the enormous power of these large cats, who at times weigh up to 400 lbs. Females hunt while the males protect territory and the safety of the ‘pride’. How do you burn fat? Try escaping from an African lion…

No Wall Flower

Although handsome and somewhat colorful, any similarity to actual flowers stops there. These underwater, spiky, globular creatures aren’t flowers at all – but animals. Its Greek name Toxopneustes literally means ‘poison breath’, because the Flower Urchin inflicts stings which are severe and incredibly painful.

Stony-Faced

Living in and around coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific Oceans, most of the time you wouldn’t know these fish were there. Their rough, rock-like exterior is the perfect camouflage. Imagine never needing a face lift! But watch out – if they’re disturbed Stone fish will release their own special neurotoxin, for which you will need an anti-venom.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a wasp…

This is no bird, but rather a wasp. Named after its favorite food, i.e. tarantulas, this plucky wasp apparently has one of the most painful stings around. The good news is, a Tarantula Hawk sting isn’t life threatening.

Hippo in my Tub

Although the word ‘hippo’ evokes images of kids songs and cute bedtimes stories, the hippopotamus is a very dangerous animal. Weighing at times over 3000 lbs, hippos are one of the largest land mammals to roam the earth. Although largely herbivorous, hippos have an incredible set of teeth and can be aggressive and territorial.

Like Your Cat but Bigger

Inhabiting different parts of Eurasia, Canada and Western Europe, the lynx is in many ways similar to a typical house cat. They prefer solitude and will attack, scratch and bite if provoked. Accomplished hunters, they will feed on small rodents, but also foxes and animals as big as deer.

Such a Viper

Preferring dry habitats, the Saw-Scaled snake likes to live in Africa and India. Coming out at night to catch prey, this is one snake you don’t want to meet in the dark. The special formula of toxins the Saw-Scaled viper delivers in a bite is so poisonous, it can cause blood disorders and hemorrhaging in the brain. The viper kills more people every year than any other snake.

Snake Royalty

He is the ‘king’: the longest venomous snake known to man. One bite from a King cobra is so dangerous it can kill someone within a half hour. Found in India and South-east Asia, the King Cobra’s venom attacks the central nervous system, causing a painful list of symptons (i.e. paralysis) before eventually bringing on death.

Poison Jelly

Nearly invisible, the Box jellyfish is the most toxic of all jellyfish. With poison-lined tentacles, this strange creature injects a powerful mix of toxins into its victims that attack skin, heart and nervous system cells. Despite there being an anti-venom, many people don’t survive being attacked, but rather go into shock and end up drowning.

A Good Pet?

Despite some bad press, hyenas are not stupid, and lead highly coordinated group hunts to catch their prey. Fast and strong, with jaws that can break bones. Not normally known to attack humans – in true scavenger style hyenas will pounce on someone they feel is weak, injured or sick. With all that said, some hyenas have become successful pets.

Like a Bullet to the Heart

Like the searing pain of being shot – the sting from a Bullet ant will leave you writhing in agony, often for many hours. Known to inhabit hot tropical places like rainforests, some remote South American tribes have been known to use the ants in initiation ceremonies. The venom can attack the central nervous system.

Eurasian Hunter

The largest in the wolf family, this Eurasian/American canine can reach a weight of almost 100 lbs. Known for its skill in hunting large game, the Gray wolf will often hunt in packs. Although not known for going after humans, a Gray wolf attack would almost certainly prove to be fatal.

Ursus Horribilis

Lewis and Clark named it the ‘Grizzly bear’, other naturalists called it Ursus horribilis – both meaning essentially the same thing: this is a terrifying bear. Generally found in parts of North America, Scandinavia and Asia, Grizzlies live up to their name. More aggressive than other bears in the region (i.e. black bear) it is also one of the biggest and strongest.

Pufferfish Say What?

Look, these inflatable fish are in reality one of THE most dangerous animals on the planet, but wait til you hear why. Pufferfish are extremely poisonous, when they inflate they release a poisonous chemical known as tetrodotoxin. Furthermore this chemical can quickly harm the nervous system and causes any communication or messages that are transmitted between the brain and the body to become blocked. Poison dart frogs come first, it’s the pufferfish that is the second most poisonous animal in the entire world.

SSSSSSSSidewinder

Oh great, another snake. Meet the sidewinder, or as it’s known by its scientific name, the Crotalus Cerastes. Belonging to the rattlesnakes family, you can typically find the sidewinder in desert areas. However if you should get bit by one, be extremely alarmed. While it may appear harmless and small, they pack a deadly bite.

Not An African Elephant

Well, if my mother saw this, her face would look like a face lift gone horribly wrong. Look, you need to forget ‘Dumbo’ because African elephants are known to be incredibly fierce and aggressive. As the largest land animal on Earth, their brains weight about 11 pounds alone, think about what then their body would weigh. GULP.

Hey, Spectacled Caimans

Part of the crocodilians group, the Spectacled Caimans is up next. Big jaws? Short legs? Long tails? Triple check. But let’s not forget that they have their eyes and nose on the top of their head which means they can breathe and see underwater. Oh, and then there’s their gigantic, sharp teeth so yeah just stay away.

Cute Little Tarsiers

First of all, Tarsiers look super cute but in reality, they’re incredibly dangerous. As their bites alone can cause anaphylactic shock. Don’t let their small frame fool you, it’s their incredible hearing that makes them a danger to prey.

I’m a Piranha – They live in the Amazon

Channeling my inner Nemo here. Typically found in South America, don’t be fooled by its “innocence”, those sharp teeth and strong jaws aren’t just for show. Just in 2011, over 100 people were viciously bitten, although deadly attacks are rare. Piranhas tend to strike most when hungry, the definition of “hangry.”

Inland Taipan Makes The Cut

Meet the Inland Taipan, whose venom includes neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and mycotoxins. What does that mean? Oh just that it can affect the nervous system, blood and the muscles beyond anything you’ve ever experienced. Swell. See, thing is, it can kill an adult human being…within 45 minutes. Don’t fret, there is an antivenin.

Dem Vultures

Usually found in Africa, Asia, and some parts of Europe, not just cartoons. With just two breeds, New World and Old World vultures, their tendency to attack for food is deadly.

Beautiful Clouded Leopards

A wild cat that has especially long, piercing canine teeth. While the smallest of the big cats, they are brilliant climbers with sharp teeth. However clouded leopards are currently on the endangered species list.

Watch out, Michael Phelps

Water monitors are incredibly quick swimmers, faster than Michael Phelps even, and that’s saying something. Not considered a strong hunter, this giant lizard however has extremely poisonous saliva and it does bite to kill.

Down Here

So Siafu ants, or driver ants, are known to attack if they should feel threatened. Not only do they attack in huge swarms but the strength of their bite is exponentially stronger than the Hulk. Once an ant attaches to its prey, it is not an easy task to pull it off.

Bang – Bang

Next up is the Bullet Shark, otherwise known as Zambezi shark. It gets its name from its rather stocky shape, broad yet flat nose, and its extremely aggressive, unpredictable behavior. Not only can they survive in both salt and fresh water, but they can also travel up rivers. Furthermore they are responsible for a majority of the near-shore shark attacks.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman

Call it what you want, Brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa, or Sicariidae, this is the opposite of Spiderman. Known as just one of two spiders that contains a necrotic venom, which means it kills off cells in the body. If bitten, initially it won’t hurt but it can be serious.

They’rrrreeeee *not* Great

Tony the Tiger may be the only tame “tiger” in the world. Southern regions of Australia is where the Tiger Snake dwells. Moreover their venom includes the highly potent neurotoxins, coagulants, haemolysins and myotoxins. We won’t go into detail as to what the horrible symptoms of a bite are, but if left untreated, the mortality rate is between 40 and 60%.

Land down under

Native to eastern Australia, the Sydney funnel-web spider can cause serious injury or death if it bites its victims. So like plastic surgery, it’s best to stay away.