Today, we will explore 9 of the most dangerous animals in the world and discover some interesting tips to help you survive if you ever encounter one of them.
1. African Buffalo
While they lack huge teeth or sharp claws, African buffaloes are still incredibly intimidating. Unlike other predators, these buffaloes do not turn away from threats but confront them head-on. If you happen to encounter one, your best option is to find a nearby tree and climb it.
However, if there are no trees around and you are a hunter with a weapon, try to stay calm. These buffaloes can run at speeds of up to 56 km/h, making them difficult to take down unless you shoot them in the head. For that to happen, you’ll need to wait until they charge you from at least 20 meters away. At that distance, a well-placed shot to the brain becomes more feasible, and this may be your only hope for survival after the attack.
2. Lion
You might be surprised to learn that lions are not fond of fighting or attacking unfamiliar prey, as they prefer to avoid injury. Therefore, they rarely attack humans. Instead, they test your courage by observing you. If you run away, this signals to the lion that you are weak prey and they will consider you a delicious meal. The alternative is to stand your ground, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away while yelling loudly and raising your arms. This makes you appear brave, fearless, and ready to fight. More often than not, the lion will cease its attack and look for something easier to eat.
3. Leopard
Next, let’s stroll around Africa and learn about the leopard. This predator is much more cautious than lions and, as a result, is less likely to attack humans. However, if you accidentally encounter one while it’s hunting or with its pack, you could easily become its next meal. In this case, the best approach is not to run or back away but to stand still and make as much noise as possible—clapping or shouting can help. At this point, the leopard will likely lose interest in you as prey and move on.
4. Elephant
What about elephants? These massive creatures can run at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Studies indicate that they can kill an average of 500 people each year and often attack during their mating seasons when they are extremely aggressive. Like lions, elephants will observe their prey before attacking. You should remain still and create noise, as fleeing will only stimulate their chase instinct.
Remember, climbing a tree is not a viable option, as elephants are strong enough to knock over any tree. The best strategy is to pretend to be dead and protect your head with a bag or some material. Elephants may lose interest and stop bothering you, but let’s hope they don’t trample you in the process.
5. Hippopotamus
The next animal on our list is the hippopotamus. Surprising, isn’t it? You may not know that hippos have knocked out more park rangers, hunters, and tour guides in Africa than elephants and lions combined. Although they are herbivores, their tusks can exceed 15 cm in length, allowing them to crush bones and tear flesh with ease, enough to intimidate crocodiles. Hippos can run at a top speed of 30 km/h, so the best way to escape if they attack is to run as fast as you can.
6. Wild Dogs
Wild dogs are extremely dangerous. They can be found in places like Mumbai, India, and Dallas, Texas. In May 2016, a pack of wild dogs attacked a woman in Dallas, biting her over 100 times.
If you encounter them, your best option is to climb onto something high, like the roof of a car. If you cannot escape, try to curl up into a ball, clench your fists to protect your fingers, and cover your face and neck with your arms. If the dogs realize they cannot kill you, they will quickly lose interest and leave.
7. Great White Shark
This may be the scariest animal in the world, but they rarely attack humans. If you are swimming or surfing in the ocean, a shark may mistake you for a fat seal and attack due to this misidentification.
The best advice is not to thrash around after being bitten. Instead, stay calm and swim slowly while trying to maintain eye contact with the shark. If the shark feels it cannot continue to bite you, it will swim away immediately. However, if it decides to attack again, strike and punch as hard as you can; just remember not to kick its nose, as there are sharp teeth waiting below. So where should you aim? Punching the gills and eyes of the shark can help you escape with your life.
8. Crocodile
Crocodiles are found worldwide, and an average of 2,500 people are swallowed by them each year. So what is the best way to survive a crocodile attack? Aim for its eyes. Yes! The eyes are the key.
Once a crocodile has bitten you, trying to pry its jaws open or shooting it will be futile. Their skin is so thick that it can deflect low-caliber bullets or even standard firearms. The only weak spot is the eyes. If you shoot or stab this area accurately, the crocodile will experience intense pain and release its prey immediately.
9. Bear
Bears are not typically man-eaters, so the best way to avoid an attack is to make noise while walking in the woods, allowing bears to recognize your presence and avoid you. But what if you encounter an aggressive bear? Do not attempt to run or climb a tree, as bears can run up to 56 km/h and climb better than any human. At this moment, remain calm and walk away slowly. If the bear still intends to attack, lie face down and curl up immediately, and don’t forget to put your hands behind your neck for protection.
Indeed, bears are not specialized predators; they only attack if they feel threatened. Therefore, pretend to be dead until the bear leaves. It’s advisable to stay in that position for a while, as grizzly bears are very cautious and will linger in the area for up to 20 minutes to ensure that you are truly dead and no longer a threat.
