These are creatures long known to humanity, from lions and great white sharks to more common species that you might even forget are dangerous, like mosquitoes… Below are the 10 deadliest foes of humankind.
Mosquitoes
Most mosquito bites only cause itching. However, some species can carry and transmit malaria parasites. As a result, these tiny insects cause over 2 million deaths each year.
Asian Cobra
While this creature is not the most venomous snake, it is responsible for the most harm. Out of 50,000 deaths from snake bites each year, the Asian cobra contributes the largest share.
Box Jellyfish
Also known as sea wasps, these bowl-sized jellyfish can have up to 60 tentacles on each 4-meter length. Each tentacle contains 500 stinging cells with enough venom to kill 60 people.
Great White Shark
The scent of blood in the water can lure these creatures into a feeding frenzy, where they use all 3000 of their teeth to bite anything that moves.
African Lion
Huge canines? Check. Quick as lightning? More than that. Razor-sharp claws? Absolutely. Are they hungry? You better hope not. These big cats are almost the perfect hunters.
Saltwater Crocodile
Don’t mistake this creature for a log! It can lie still in the water, waiting for a passerby. Then, in the blink of an eye, it lunges at its prey, dragging the unfortunate victim underwater to drown and crush them.
Elephant
Not all elephants are as friendly as Dumbo. Elephants kill over 500 people each year worldwide. African elephants typically weigh around 8 tons—enough to trample you without needing their sharp tusks.
Polar Bear
While they may appear very cute in the zoo, in the wild, they consider seals their breakfast. Just try to attend, and you will see them easily tear apart their prey with a single swipe of their massive claws.
Cape Buffalo
When faced with a foe, the Cape buffalo raises its horns. It becomes a heavy beast with two large curved horns. You’ll be lucky if there’s only one around—the real danger is when a herd of thousands charges at you.
Poison Dart Frog
These tiny frogs are not suitable for kissing. Their backs secrete a slippery neurotoxin that keeps enemies at bay. Each one produces enough toxin to kill 10 people.
