What is the Most Dangerous Animal in the World?

Animals are adorable and fascinating, but as much as I love learning about them, I know that it’s best to keep a safe distance from most of them. There are a lot of animals out there that can hurt humans with poison, venom, teeth, claws, and diseases. So, when you spot a wild animal, it’s safest for everyone if you just let them be. But just for reference, what is the most dangerous animal in the world?

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What is the Most Dangerous Animal in the World?

It’s difficult to narrow down the most dangerous animal in the world to one species because there are different factors that make animals dangerous. The animal species that causes the most human deaths is surprisingly mosquitoes because of the diseases they carry and how often they interact with humans. Then, the inland taipan is the most venomous animal in the world.

Many animals are extremely dangerous for different reasons. Keep reading for more details as to what makes the following creatures the most dangerous animals in the world.

13 of the Most Dangerous Animals

The most dangerous animals in the world are all over the place. Some are large and powerful like you would expect while others are tiny and seemingly harmless at first glance. Yet, all of the animals below have made this list for very good reasons. After all, there are lots of ways animals can harm us if we’re not careful.

1. Mosquitoes

• Dangerous Features: Spreading diseases

• Approximate Human Deaths: 700,000 annually

The CDC refers to the mosquito as “the world’s deadliest animal.” You might be surprised that a tiny, annoying insect we see almost daily has such a scary title, but it’s based on the fact that mosquitoes kill more humans annually than any other creature. While a mosquito bite doesn’t feel dangerous (just a little itchy), some mosquitoes transmit dangerous and even deadly diseases. 

Mosquitoes transmit diseases more effectively than other animals because they feed on blood, so they can spread the diseases through bites rather than just touch. Some common diseases mosquitoes spread include malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and lymphatic filariasis.

2. Humans

• Dangerous Features: Intelligence, access to weapons

• Approximate Human Deaths: 460,000 annually

While not everyone thinks of humans as animals, we’re primates just like chimpanzees. The Australian Museum states: “Humans are classified as mammals because humans have the same distinctive features found in all members of this large group.”

It’s disappointing to see humans listed as one of the most dangerous animals in the world because while animals act on instinct, survival, and prey drive, humans often kill because of malicious intent. I like to believe the best in people, but I’m also incredibly wary around strangers because homicides occur way more than you’d think. 

The Global Study on Homicide indicates that about 458,000 people died because of other people in 2021, and that number has remained similar in recent years.

3. Inland Taipan

• Dangerous Features: Highly toxic venom

• Approximate Human Deaths: None

While there are no reported deaths related to inland taipan venom, this species is considered the deadliest snake in the world. One bite from this snake has enough venom to kill approximately 100 humans. The venom can paralyze muscles, disrupt breathing, and cause hemorrhaging.

Since an inland taipan bite is so severe, you might be surprised that these reptiles haven’t killed anyone. That’s because these snakes only live in remote areas where people rarely venture (arid and semi-arid areas of Australia). They’re also shy, making them more likely to retreat than strike.

4. Golden Poison Dart Frog

• Dangerous Features: Extremely toxic poison

• Approximate Human Deaths: None

Like inland taipans, golden poison dart frogs have the potential to kill many people, but there aren’t any reported deaths. These yellow frogs are considered some of the most dangerous animals on the planet, killing at least 10 humans with their poison.

For most poison dart frogs, touching them only causes minor irritation while eating them is extremely dangerous. However, golden poison dart frogs can cause harm even to the touch, including extreme effects like paralysis. 

Like other poison dart frogs, golden poison dart frogs aren’t toxic in captivity because they have a different diet. In the wild, they only live in some rainforests of Colombia, so it’s rare for people to interact with the frogs of this species that are actually poisonous.

5. Saw-Scaled Viper

• Dangerous Features: Highly toxic venom

• Approximate Human Deaths: 30,000 annually

While some animals are resistant to venom, humans are not. That means coming into contact with a saw-scaled viper is extremely dangerous, especially since they’re one of the most venomous snakes. Their venom causes pain and swelling within minutes, and it can cause tissue death, hemorrhage, and vascular damage. While the exact number of deaths is unknown, these bites can easily become fatal if not treated.

Saw-scaled vipers live across parts of Africa and Asia, particularly in grasslands, shrublands, and deserts. Since they have a much wider range than the inland taipan, they appear near humans more often.

6. Black Mamba

• Dangerous Features: Highly toxic venom

• Approximate Human Deaths: 20,000 annually

Black mamba venom directly affects the nerves and heart. These snakes have up to 20 drops of venom per fang, and it only takes two drops to kill a human. Without any treatment, a person is guaranteed to die from a black mamba bite. 

University of Pretoria states: “A black mamba’s venom is complex. It interferes with transmission across the motor end-plate, which is where the nerves and muscles connect, so it will result in paralysis. The venom is also cardiotoxic, which means it may have a direct effect on the heart.”

These snakes primarily live in sub-Saharan Africa across various habitats like savannas, lowland forests, and rocky areas. While they’re not extremely aggressive, they’re not afraid to defend themselves if they feel threatened.

7. Freshwater Snails

• Dangerous Features: Hosts for parasitic worms

• Approximate Human Deaths: 200,000 annually

You might be surprised to see a tiny, seemingly innocent animal on this list. After all, snails are soft and delicate without having sharp teeth or claws. While freshwater snails won’t attack like some of the other animals on this list, they carry a disease called schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic flatworms.

The disease infects about 250,000 people annually, and approximately 200,000 people die after getting it from freshwater snails. Most cases occur in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Disease ecologist at Stanford University, Susanne Sokolow, says: “It's one of the world's most deadly parasites. You do contract it from just wading, swimming, entering the water in any way, and the parasites basically exit the snails into the water and seek you. And they penetrate right through your skin, migrate through your body, end up in your blood vessels where they can live for many years even decades.”

8. Assassin Bugs

• Dangerous Features: Painful bites, spreading Chagas disease

• Approximate Human Deaths: 10,000 annually

The name assassin bug sounds intimidating, but that name refers to how they hunt other animals, not humans. These bugs have predatory behaviors that include ambushing prey and then stabbing it to inject it with toxins. This behavior can cause painful stings to humans, but their aggressive behaviors rarely lead to death.

The more intimidating quality of assassin bugs is the ability to spread Chagas disease. When these bugs ingest blood from other animals, they can host the disease. Then, their feces can pass it to humans, especially if someone unknowingly touches the feces and then rubs their eyes, nose, or mouth. If not treated in time, Chagas disease can cause life-threatening heart and digestion issues.

9. Hippopotamus

• Dangerous Features: Powerful bites, territorial behaviors

• Approximate Human Deaths: 500 annually

With a round, clumsy-looking body, most people wouldn’t expect hippos to be dangerous. However, their large size and powerful build paired with territorial behaviors makes them a big threat to humans who get too close. Plus, their teeth are sharper than they seem. They’ve attacked boats, severely injuring and even killing humans in the process.

What’s interesting about hippos is that they’re primarily herbivores, so they don’t need to eat meat. However, they will occasionally attack and eat other animals if the opportunity presents itself, especially if there aren’t enough plants. This could include humans in some cases.

Hippos kill more people annually than lions and bears because people tend to underestimate their power. People know to steer clear of carnivores, but herbivorous animals typically don’t seem like as much of a threat.

10. Scorpions

• Dangerous Features: Venomous stingers

• Approximate Human Deaths: 3,000 annually

Scorpions are a small animal you don’t want to mess with. While some people keep scorpions as pets, those typically aren’t the most dangerous scorpion species. Some scorpion stings are just a sharp pain, but others can be life-threatening and cause difficulties breathing, muscle spasms, and seizures. The National Library of Medicine estimates that about 3,000 people die each year for issues related to scorpion stings. 

Scorpions have stingers with venom for hunting and defense purposes, so they use them whenever they feel threatened, which can result in them stinging humans. The most dangerous scorpion species include the Deathstalker scorpion and the Indian red scorpion, but it’s best to avoid of all wild scorpions.

11. Crocodiles

• Dangerous Features: Strong bites, aggressive behaviors

• Approximate Human Deaths: 1,000 annually

It’s no surprise that crocodiles are dangerous creatures. They have sharp teeth and almost look like modern-day dinosaurs. They’re opportunistic hunters, so they will kill and eat whatever creatures are most convenient. Since they often take down large prey like buffalo, cattle, and horses, they have no problem attacking humans if the opportunity presents itself.

Many people are scared of shark attacks when in the water, but crocodiles attack far more people than sharks (sharks attack fewer than 100 people annually). Alligators aren’t as dangerous as crocodiles because they’re less aggressive, however, they still have incredibly sharp teeth and shouldn’t be messed with.

12. Elephants

• Dangerous Features: Massive size and strength

• Approximate Human Deaths: 500 annually

Elephants are beautiful and gentle creatures, so many people don’t consider them a threat like they do with more aggressive creatures. Unfortunately, these beloved animals kill hundreds each year, but it’s not due to attacks or diseases. Instead, they accidentally trample people.

Since elephants have lost a lot of their natural habitat over the years, they’re forced to live closer to humans than they normally would. This leads to an increase in their interactions with humans, and it can be difficult for people to avoid massive stomping elephant feet.

13. Lions

• Dangerous Features: Powerful bites, sharp claws, aggressive behaviors

• Approximate Human Deaths: 200 annually

When thinking of the most dangerous animal in the world, lions probably come to many people’s minds. Even though they kill fewer humans than some of the other animals on this list, there’s no doubt that they’re dangerous. Their sharp teeth and claws are only the beginning. They have intense predatory instincts, and they’re incredibly fast and strong.

Humans aren’t typically on a lion’s menu, but they may attack them if they feel threatened or if other food is scarce. Other powerful predators like tigers and bears may also attack humans when threatened, but those situations occur less than lion attacks.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Dangerous Animals

Now that you know what some of the most dangerous animals in the world are, how do you protect yourself from these creatures? Sometimes, they can strike unexpectedly, but in many cases, you can protect yourself with some precautions.

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Since phones are such a big part of our lives today, it’s easy to get distracted when looking up directions or texting (or if you’re like me, playing Pokemon Go). Yet, when you’re in a place where wild animals are likely to be, such as a forest trail or campground, you need to be careful. Make sure you’re regularly looking around you for wild animals and strange humans to keep yourself safe.

Keep a Distance from Wildlife

No matter how big or small a wild animal is, keep a distance. I know it’s hard to resist getting close to get a better look at a cool animal, but animals can be unpredictable. Even if an animal doesn’t seem dangerous, they could still bite or carry diseases. Leave them be and carry on with your walk to keep both you and the animals safe.

Thoroughly Wash Your Hands After Touching Animals

If you touch an animal, whether it’s a pet or wild animal, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after. Many seemingly harmless animals like amphibians, snails, and small mammals could carry diseases. Wash your hands as soon as you can after touching them, and do not touch your face until you get a chance to do so. 

With wild animals, it’s best not to touch them at all. Yet, I understand that there are some circumstances where you might need to, such as moving an animal out of the road. In those cases, cover your hands if possible to avoid direct contact.

Use Insect Repellents

Insect bites are common when spending time outdoors, and it can be tricky to avoid these critters altogether. So, make sure to use insect repellents in areas where you think you’ll be at risk of insect bites.

Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent Lotion and Ranger Ready Repellents Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray are two eco-friendly options. It’s also important to remember to keep your dog up-to-date on flea and tick preventatives for their safety (I use Frontline). 

Immediately Seek Medical Attention When Needed

If an unfamiliar animal bites or stings you, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Visit a medical professional as soon as possible so they can address the wound. Describe the animal’s appearance to the best of your ability to help them determine what the animal was. Certain animal bites and stings can be fatal if not treated, so while visiting a doctor might seem like a hassle, it could save your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most Dangerous Animals in Australia?

Australia is known for having many dangerous animals, including the box jellyfish, inland taipan, eastern brown snake, and Sydney funnel web spider. Just to be safe, keep a distance from all wildlife.

What Animal Has Killed the Most Humans?

Surprisingly, the mosquito is the animal that has killed the most humans. Mosquitoes can transmit deadly diseases, killing about 700,000 people every year.

What Animal Has the Strongest Bite Force?

Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest bite force of all living animals. Their bites can have up to 3,689 pounds of force!

Keep a Distance from the Most Dangerous Animals in the World

There are so many incredible animals out there, but it’s important to keep a distance and avoid disturbing animals. Some animals have obvious dangerous features like claws, fangs, and stingers while others are dangerous in other ways, such as strength and diseases. As cool as wild animals are, it’s best to leave them be for everyone’s safety, especially if they’re one of the most dangerous animals in the world.