Top 10 Creepiest Creatures That Only Come Out At Night

Vampires might be fictional, but vampire bats are 100 percent real. And like Dracula, they only come out at night and need blood to survive. However, while these creatures have bitten humans, they usually go after other animals, such as cows and birds. And if you don't live in Central America, South America, or Mexico, you should be able to completely avoid them. To find a blood source, they detect the subtle sound of prey breathing and get ready for their nightly meal. They’re also one of the only species of bats that can walk, run, and hop. They don’t, however, sleep in coffins.

Don’t find toads particularly intimidating? Try coming across a rococo toad in the wild. These toads, found in parts of South America, make themselves bigger by puffing themselves up to ward off enemies. If their nemeses don't get the message, the rococo toad will shoot toxins. Despite their dangerous nature, some people keep these nocturnal toads as pets. If you’re looking for a new creature to take care of that isn’t a dog, cat, or bird, maybe this could be your next great animal adventure. Just do your very best to stay on their good side.

We loved watching Rufus on “Kim Possible,” but actual naked mole-rats aren’t quite as adorable as their animated representation would have you believe. Despite their name, they're not completely naked, as they have whiskers, as well as hair on their feet and tails. They also have very poor vision, so they must rely on other senses to navigate. Much like an ant or bee colony, naked mole-rats have queens that they will protect at all costs. Soldier forces will create blockades to stop snakes and other predators from getting in. They also have very interesting diets, getting water from plant roots and eating their own feces. These are also the longest-living rodents, with lifespans of up to 32 years.

Few creatures capture the phrase “If looks could kill” quite like the eyelash viper. These snakes have scales above their eyes that give them their name. But that’s the least you should be concerned about if you encounter one. Eyelash vipers are incredibly venomous, with massive fangs that can make short work of any prey. Their "eyelashes" are an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to camouflage more easily. They also come in a variety of colors, including green, red, and yellow, and will swallow their prey whole. If you’re ever in Central America, southern Mexico, or northern regions of South America, keep your eyes peeled for eyelash vipers.

While some owl species are diurnal, meaning they're also active during the daytime, most are nocturnal. These birds of prey are known for their imposing eyes and for hooting (though some breeds make other noises, such as hissing). Their remarkable vision and keen hearing make them great hunters. An owl’s asymmetrical ears allow them to hear prey in different locations more easily. All kinds of animals are on the menu, including insects, rodents, and even other birds. While an owl couldn’t devour a human, they will attack people they perceive as threats to their nests and/or young.

#5: African Dung Beetles

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Anything that feasts on feces is icky, especially when it has a moniker like “dung beetle.” But the African variety of these insects is still quite fascinating. They use the Milky Way to help guide them and their dung balls. They roll these in clear paths, away from the dung pile, so that other beetles can’t steal from them. Other animal species use the Milky Way for navigation, but they tend to not be insects. While humans and dung beetles might differ greatly on what is and isn’t worth protecting, we have to admire them for their hard work and intelligence. From a distance, that is.

Tarantulas wait until nightfall to come out, as that keeps them out of the clutches of predators such as birds, snakes, and lizards. That’s fine by us, because these hairy spiders give us the willies. They're very good at avoiding predators, thanks to their ability to detect even the slightest vibrations. They're also excellent hunters, mainly eating insects as well as some tiny lizards. If you're considering getting a tarantula for a pet, know that it can be a pretty long-term commitment. Males can live for as long as seven years, and females can live for up to 30 years. That’s more than enough time to strike up a bond, right?

Would you want to cross paths with anything called a “deathstalker?” These are some of the most menacing scorpions around. Despite their name, getting stung by a deathstalker isn't necessarily fatal. It is, however, extremely uncomfortable and can be deadly for members of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. Located in parts of North Africa as well as the Middle East, these arachnids mainly have light yellow-brown complexions. While their stings are extremely dangerous, especially if you're allergic, research suggests deathstalker venom has medical benefits, such as helping to detect brain tumor growths. Would “lifesavers” be a more appropriate name?

#2: Aye-Ayes

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The biggest nocturnal primate in the world, the aye-aye has a face you don't forget. A type of lemur that lives in Madagascar, aye-ayes primarily reside in trees. Like woodpeckers, they chew holes in trees with their powerful teeth, and they use their middle fingers to feast on the grubs inside. Aye-aye incisors - which keep growing - are so prominent, they were originally thought of as rodents. Also prominent are their eyes, which are useful for helping them see in the darkness of night. Madagascar folklore regards aye-ayes as evil, and they have been known to steal crops. But we still can’t help but find them kind of cute, in a weird way.

#1: Indian Flying Foxes

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Can foxes fly? No, but Indian flying foxes are actually bats, and they’re absolutely astonishing. They get their name from their vulpine-like appearance, which resembles that of foxes, especially with their reddish-brown fur. Unlike bats that use echolocation, flying foxes find food through sight and smell. Also amazing are their wings, which have spans of up to five feet. These bats have divisive reputations in India. They have been cited as possible disease transmitters as well as fruit thieves. However, they're also helpful with pollination and seed dispersal and are viewed as sacred. There’s definitely nothing quite like an Indian flying fox.