When exploring and experiencing the sights of different wildlife, it’s not only exciting, but it can also be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, you may have only ever seen some of nature’s phenomena from scrolling on social media or doing a quick Google search. It’s quite a treat to have the opportunity of a real-life sighting.
But if you stumble across the wrong animal, your encounter may not be as pleasant as you had hoped. In some cases, it can even lead to a hospital visit — or worse. Thankfully, we’ve done the cautionary work and rounded up 15 animals you’ll want to steer clear of as much as possible.
So, when you do venture out, you can take the extra measures needed if they do end up crossing your path. Safe travels!
1. Hippopotamus
While they may not look like killers, a hippopotamus kills more humans than any other animal in Africa. About 500 people lose their lives to hippos every year. Hippos are known for acting extremely defensive over their territory. When they attack, they use their teeth — which are capable of applying pressure of 2,000 pounds per square inch.
2. Golden Poison Dart Frog
There are over 170 different species of dart frogs, but the golden poison dart frog is the most dangerous of them all. They’re capable of producing deadly toxins in their skin glands to protect against other predators. It can be deadly if a human touches or consumes the frog. They can be found in different parts of both South and Central America.
3. Inland Taipan
These snakes are mostly docile. But when they are caught off guard or handled, they will instantly become defensive and may try to strike. Their venom is one of the most poisonous on the planet and capable of killing large mammals. One bite can bring down 100 adult humans and can cause serious symptoms of organ failure, convulsions, and paralysis right up until death. They’re typically found in parts of Australia.
4. Box Jellyfish
Commonly spotted off the coasts of Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific, the box jellyfish is one of the deadliest marine creatures to exist. When people are stung by them, they can suffer cardiac arrest, paralysis and sometimes death within minutes. Each tentacle holds poisonous darts that are instantly released when in contact.
5. Pufferfish
Located in various seas with a tropical climate, it’s best not to come into contact with a pufferfish. They are almost as poisonous as the golden poisonous dart frog and carry venom more poisonous than cyanide. There is no known antidote to its poison.
6. Brazilian Wandering Spider
The Brazilian Wandering Spider can grow up to seven inches long and can be highly venomous if they bite you. If bitten, symptoms from the venom can include vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, paralysis, lung failure and even death. They can typically be found hiding in dense, dark areas and tropical climates like Central and South America to keep cover.
7. Saltwater Crocodile
When compared to alligators, crocodiles have a shorter temper, can be easily provoked and aggressive when you cross paths with them. Despite their name, Saltwater Crocodiles can also swim in freshwater — making them a double threat. When they bite, these crocodiles produce 3,700 pounds of pressure per square inch. They are be located in the Indo-Pacific region, different areas between India and Vietnam and even parts of Northern Australia.
8. Moray Eel
This aquatic animal can cause more harm when dead rather than alive. This is largely due to them not being prepared properly in the kitchen as part of a meal. If bitten though, the Moray Eel can still pack on some damage with their two sets of super sharp death. They can be spotted in reefs in tropical and subtropical climates.
9. Saw-Scaled Viper
Responsible for killing over 5,000 people per year, this viper is known for being aggressive and quick to strike when without even being provoked. The Saw-Scaled Viper can be found in several parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and various parts of the Middle East and Africa.
10. Deathstalker Scorpion
Out of all variations of the scorpion, the Deathstalker Scorpion is the deadliest to humans. However, it normally isn’t capable of killing someone who is otherwise healthy. Those who have either a heart condition or are allergic are at much greater risk. They are commonly seen in various areas in North Africa and the Middle East.
11. King Cobra
Unlike many other snakes, the King Cobra is known for its long length — up to 18 feet. It can raise itself to look you directly in the eyes and can kill up to 20 humans with only one shot of venom. They are normally spotted in Northern India, China, Hong Kong, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
12. Blue-Ringed Octopus
Small, yet deadly, the Blue-Ringed Octopus will attack if it feels threatened. Their venom is 1,000 times worse than that of cyanide, and there’s no known antidote available. Worst of all, the attacks are often painless and many do not realize they’ve been hurt until it’s too late. They are often seen around parts of Australia and Japan.
13. Assassin Bug
Assassin bugs typically prey on other insects and can pack a powerful punch if they bite a person. Each bite will cause pain and swelling of the area. The insect can also carry Chagas Disease, which is responsible for killing up to 10,000 people per year. They can be found in several parts of Europe, the United States, and Canada.
14. Mosquitos
While you can typically find mosquitos outside your backdoor in the summertime, it shouldn’t be forgotten that they can also be quite deadly. Although mosquitos are not directly capable killing a person, they can carry several different diseases to humans such as malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus and more.
15. Ascari Roundworms
Known as a deadly parasite, Ascari Roundworms take advantage of the human body to not only stay alive but also feed and reproduce. This can happen when a person accidentally eats their eggs in contaminated foods and drinks. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath, and swelling. The parasite kills an estimated 60,000 people each year worldwide.