With a terrifying bite force of up to 2.6 million kg/m², the African crocodile tops the list of the most powerful bite animals in the natural world.
The Animals with the Most Powerful Bites in the Natural World
1. African Crocodile (Bite Force: 2.6 million kg/m²)
With a terrifying bite force of up to 2.6 million kg/m², the African crocodile is ranked first among the animals with the most powerful bites.
This is also the largest living reptile on Earth, with some species of African crocodiles measuring up to 6 meters long and weighing over 1 ton.
Crocodiles are relatively lazy animals, but they can tear apart large prey such as cattle, buffalo, sharks, and even humans in an instant.
2. American Crocodile (1.5 million kg/m²)
Florida, USA, is considered the world capital of the American crocodile. This reptile has the second most powerful bite force on the planet.
The American crocodile has no natural enemies. Its favorite foods include fish, birds, turtles, and dogs or deer. They are usually not aggressive towards humans, but some attacks by American crocodiles on people do occur.
3. Hippopotamus (1.28 million kg/m²)
The hippopotamus is considered the most dangerous animal in Africa and a top contender for the title of the world’s most dangerous animal. They may appear clumsy and awkward, but everything about the hippopotamus is frightening.
Weighing about 2 tons, the hippopotamus is one of the largest mammals in the world. Despite their relatively heavy bodies, hippos can run at speeds of nearly 50 km/h.
Their mouths are incredibly powerful, with a bite force of up to 1.28 million kg/m². Hippos are herbivores, but they occasionally attack humans.
4. Jaguar (950,000 kg/m²)
The jaguar surpasses both lions and tigers to rank fourth on the list of animals with the most powerful bites on the planet.
While other big cats subdue their prey by biting to suffocate them, jaguars deliver a powerful bite directly to the head of their prey, causing the ‘victim’ to die quickly. Occasionally, jaguars also hunt turtles as they enjoy the sensation of breaking their prey’s hard shell.
5. Gorilla (913,000 kg/m²)
The gorilla is the largest member of the primate family. They have muscular arms and extremely strong jaws with a bite force of up to 913,000 kg/m². Gorillas are generally gentle and shy when facing humans. However, they can be very aggressive when fighting and often fight to the death.
6. Hyena (773,000 kg/m²)
Hyenas are often seen as timid scavengers, but they spend a significant amount of time hunting and killing their prey.
Regarded as one of the mammals with the strongest bite on Earth, hyenas can chase off lions to compete for food. They often use their powerful jaws to crunch the bones of their prey. Hyenas will also attack humans if their territory is invaded.
7. Tiger (738,000 kg/m²)
Among the felines, the tiger is the most fearsome animal to humans. They are the largest of the cat family and have a bite force of up to 738,000 kg/m², nearly double that of a lion.
This might explain why lions often hunt in packs while tigers hunt alone. Tiger attacks on humans frequently occur, especially in India and some Asian countries, where they often live near human settlements.
8. Alligator Snapping Turtle (703,000 kg/m²)
While most turtles are very docile and harmless, the alligator snapping turtle poses a threat to humans as they often attack and bite the toes and fingers of swimmers.
Despite being the smallest member on this list, the bite of the alligator snapping turtle is strong enough to easily break a finger bone.
9. Bear (685,000 kg/m²)
With a bite force of up to 685,000 kg/m², a bear can easily crush a bowling ball. Encounters between bears and humans are not uncommon.
If you plan to hike or camp in bear-inhabited areas, you need to know how to handle encounters with this dangerous animal. Bears typically attack humans only when they feel threatened.
10. Lion (457,000 kg/m²)
While lions may be dubbed the kings of the jungle, they are not the kings of this list.
With a bite force of 457,000 kg/m², a lion’s bite is relatively weak compared to other big cats. When attacking wildebeests or buffalo, lions use their jaws to grip the throat of their prey, causing suffocation.
Once the prey dies from asphyxiation, the lion can then feast on its meal. Although a lion’s bite may be relatively weak, it is still more than six times stronger than that of a human. Additionally, the strength of their jaws is just one part of a lion’s arsenal.
11. Great White Shark (493,000 kg/m²)
You might be surprised to see the great white shark ranked so low on the list of animals with the most powerful bites, as the ocean’s predator is feared by many.
Even if you are not afraid of sharks, facing a great white shark while diving underwater is not something you would wish for. The danger of great white sharks lies in their sharp teeth. With a bite force that is not overly strong, they can tear you apart like a knife cutting through an avocado.
12. Dog (228,000 kg/m²)
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they can become ferocious when attacking humans.
Millions of Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and some of these victims have unfortunately died. However, dogs have a relatively weak bite force, approximately 228,000 kg/m2.