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The world can be a scary place. A vicious animal can take you out if they want to. Luckily, most of the world’s deadliest animals are far from the United States. The rest of the world isn’t as lucky—they deal with some of the most lethal creatures on earth, from venomous snakes to stealthy predators lurking in unexpected places.
1. African Cape Buffalo
Big game hunters have hunted these mammoth creatures, but sometimes, the hunter becomes the hunted. These buffaloes are known to be protective of their herd and can charge humans at a moment’s notice. At 2,000 pounds and equipped with formidable horns, the last thing I want is one of these beasts staring me down. They cause about 200 deaths a year.
2. Lions
These large cats might look cute and cuddly, but they will not be singing “Hakuna Matata” if you stroll up to their pride. Leave the King of the Jungle alone if you find yourself on a safari. Africa reports that 250 fatalities occur every year from lion attacks.
3. Elephants
Elephants may look like wise, gentle giants but can cause serious harm if threatened. They may weigh over 10,000 pounds and are prone to charge if they sense danger to themselves or their young. Poachers need to watch out; the elephants are coming for them. There have been as many as 500 deaths due to elephant/human interaction.
4. Hippos
Who knew the hippopotamus was one of the smallest mammals in Africa? These water-loving mammals are deadlier than lions and tigers when it comes to human death. Approximately 500 people are killed every year due to the aggressive and protective nature of the hippo.
5. Crocodiles
Crocodiles are opportunistic hunters and will prey on anything they can get their mouths on. Unfortunately, humans have become victims of these giant reptiles. Most crocodiles live near remote villages where access to medical care is scarce, causing attacks deadlier than in more populated cities. About 1,000 human deaths are attributed to crocodiles every year.
6. Tapeworms
One of the smallest organisms on the planet is also one of the deadliest. Tapeworms attack humans from the inside and live in contaminated food or water. Tapeworms attack internal organs, causing cysticercosis. The scary part is symptoms can go unnoticed for years before they become fatal. Sadly, 2,000 people die each year from tapeworm infections.
7. Ascaris Roundworms
Like tapeworms, these little killers tear apart your insides slowly but surely. They come from contaminated dirt through the mouth and make their home in your intestines. This can interfere with your nutrition and cause blockages. About 2,500 people perish due to these deadly worms each year.
8. Scorpions
Scorpions can be scary, but the truth is, there are only a few venomous scorpions capable of killing an adult human. However, the Israeli deathstalker, the Tunisian fat-tailed scorpion, and the Brazilian yellow scorpion can all put a human in their grave. If you’re stung, seek medical help immediately, or you could become one of the 3,250 people who die from these deadly arachnids.
9. Freshwater Snails
How can a snail be so dangerous? These little slugs release the parasite that causes schistosomiasis in tropical and subtropical freshwater. Schistosomiasis can cause rashes, digestive issues, liver failure, and bladder cancer. Skin contact with these snails can literally eat your organs and slowly kill you. About 10,000 people in Africa and Asia die each year from these guys.
10. Assassin Bugs
Also known as kissing bugs, these evil bugs are not kissing you because they love you. The feces of these bugs cause a malady known as Chagas disease. Infections cause swelling of the heart and the brain, eventually causing heart failure if left untreated. Chagas disease has been credited with killing 10,000 people a year, mostly in South American countries.
11. Tsetse Flies
These flies from Africa are some of the deadliest creatures on the continent. Bites from the fly cause a disease known as African Sleeping Sickness. The disease is treatable, and most deaths occur in rural areas where access to medical care is scarce. Unfortunately, a few years after infection, death will come for you.
12. Dogs
Sadly, dogs are not cared for as well in other countries as in the United States. Stray dogs account for as many as 20,000 deaths every year from rabies or maulings. Man’s best friend might not be the best nickname for canines in other parts of the world. Luckily, people care for these animals better in the U.S., so most of these deaths don’t come from our country.
13. Snakes
Luckily, most of the really venomous snakes don’t live anywhere near the United States. That’s not the case in Africa, South America, or Australia. Those countries are home to some of the deadliest snakes on Earth. Snake bites usually occur in more remote areas, and victims die due to lack of medical attention. Snakes like the pit viper and inland taipan cause about 50,000 deaths yearly.
14. Humans
Sadly, one of the deadliest animals on the planet is the human being. With wars, gang activity, and gun violence, people are responsible for anywhere from 450,000 to 500,000 murders each year. It’s a disgusting statistic to write about, but it’s the sad reality of this world.
15. Mosquitoes
Another miniature murderer is the mosquito. These blood-sucking insects carry diseases that cause malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. Facts show that these bites can cause anywhere from 500,000 to 1 million deaths each year. That’s enough for me to spend a lot of cash on mosquito repellent yearly. I’m not getting taken out by a tiny little mosquito. I’d rather go down with honor, like being trampled by an angry hippo.
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