Top 50 Most Dangerous Animals in the World

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most harmful creatures on the planet.

#50: Bison

Upon first glance, they may come across as gentle giants. However, seeing bison react to people provoking them proves they’re anything but. Using their immense size and sharp horns, they can easily ram and gore anyone who they feel gets too close. If you believe you can outrun them, then think again – they can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. If one has you in their sights, then there’s a chance you’ve already been marked as a threat. At that point, your safest bet is to slowly back away and hope for the best. With attacks happening multiple times every year, it’s no wonder they’re seen as one of the most dangerous animals in North America.

#49: African Crested Rat

Even the smallest creatures can hide unknown dangers. At just over a foot long, the African crested rat may not look intimidating, but that doesn’t mean you should get close. They use the bark of the aptly named poison arrow tree to coat their hair, which they then use as a defense mechanism when hunted. Predators that bite them can get sick or even die themselves. People aren’t immune to this poison, and have been known to pass within a couple of hours of coming in contact with it. While these rodents may not have caused a human death yet, it’s definitely within the realm of possibility – so despite how cute they look, we advise you admire them from afar instead.

#48: Human Botflies

Some things are so horrifying they’ll make you never want to go outside again. The botfly’s ability to lay their larvae inside human skin makes it a firm addition to that category. As if being treated as a living incubator wasn’t terrifying enough, there’s also a chance that the lesions they leave behind could become infected. Should you become an unfortunate victim to this bug, then immediate removal is the best option. Even that comes with risks, as it’s easy for tiny pieces of the maggot’s body to be left inside the wound. No matter what extraction process is used, watching it come out of you will make you feel like you’re living in a horror movie.

#47: Dingo

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but this is one canine you’ll want to steer clear of. Native to Australia, dingoes are built for speed and can be wildly unpredictable. Though attacks against humans aren’t very common, when they do occur they can turn fatal. Children in particular are at the biggest risk of being attacked by them. A large factor in their potential danger comes from people acting too comfortable around them and getting too close, causing some to lash out and defend themselves. So while they may not be the most menacing animal from down under, we’d still recommend keeping your distance.

#46: Africanized Honey Bee

What started as an attempt to increase honey production ended as a lesson in the dangers of cross-breeding. In 1956, experts began to breed honey bees with a more aggressive species from Africa in order to raise production. Almost immediately, some of the offspring escaped and began to rapidly expand their numbers. The end result was a large amount of Africanized bees that would do anything to protect their hive, including immediately swarming and attacking those who got too close. People who have fallen victim to them have been stung hundreds of times. Attempting to kill one will only release a scent that attracts even more to you – so all you can do is try to run for cover.

#45: Stonefish

Watch where you step. Even something as simple as a walk through the wrong stretch of the sea could result in serious injury or death. The stonefish is the most venomous of its kind, wielding verrucotoxin as a way of protecting itself. They blend in perfectly with the ocean floor, making it easy to accidentally step on one and be infected by their spines. Those that do need to seek immediate medical care, or else run the risks of necrosis, inflammation, and in severe cases, death. Don’t think you’re safe on the beach either, as they can survive up to a full day outside of the water.

#44: Ascaris Roundworm

These are truly the stuff of nightmares. Having a parasite inside you is something you’d hope would be a rare occurrence, but with the number of human infections reaching the billions, that sadly isn’t the case. Much like the dreaded tapeworm, the Ascaris roundworm makes its way into a hosts’ body through dirty water and soil. From there, they feed off their victim, breed, and cause a disease known as Ascariasis. Symptoms often mimic those of other digestive issues, making it harder to catch until it becomes more severe. Alarmingly, over 85% of people don’t have symptoms at all – meaning the worm can continue to use them as a host indefinitely.

#43: Tasmanian Devil

When looking at the name, you may immediately be reminded of the hilarious “Looney Tunes” character. However, a negative encounter with a real one would be the furthest thing from comedy. Tasmanian devils don’t typically attack humans. That doesn’t mean you should get too close, though. They have the strongest bite of any carnivorous mammal relative to their size. They also have the ability to open their jaws at a seemingly impossible 80-degree angle and can easily bite through skin and bone. Should they feel genuinely threatened by a person, then they may not hesitate to prove it.

#42: Freshwater Snails

This is a case of the animal itself not being dangerous, but rather the things they casually carry. While most would agree that freshwater snails themselves pose no physical harm, they do run the risk of carrying a litany of various harmful parasites. All it takes is coming across water contaminated with these snails to contract one of them. As soon as someone touches the water, the worms exit the snail and enter the human instead, where they can live uninterrupted for decades. One of the worst is schistosomiasis, which has infected over 200 million people and kills up to 200,000 per year.

#41: Australian Funnel-Web

Evolution has a funny way of working sometimes. Over time, the Australian funnel-web spiders’ venom has evolved to be the most effective on invertebrates and primates. This has made humans the ultimate victim. All it takes is a single bite to completely ruin one’s day – or even take their life. The symptoms start off relatively mild, with things like watery eyes and an increased heart rate. They quickly accelerate, leading to the inflicted person falling unconscious, having dilated pupils, or even dying. The condition can escalate over a span of minutes to days. Prior to 1981, this led to numerous deaths. Since the creation of an antivenom, death is extremely unlikely as long as the person bitten seeks instant medical attention.

#40: Gorilla

This will hopefully serve as a lesson to those who sincerely believe they and 99 others could take one on. Like many other creatures, gorillas won’t attack unless they feel provoked. However, bothering them could be the last thing you ever do. Silverbacks in particular have immense stature and strength, which can be used against anything they perceive as a threat. One zookeeper was bitten and swung around by her arm, causing it to fracture. Some gorillas have even broken the glass of their enclosures, proving that if they really wanted to, they could escape. While the chances are small, if you happen to come across one in the wild, just be as respectful as possible before making a hasty exit.

#39: Common Vampire Bat

Despite the name, their danger doesn’t come from having one’s blood drained. Instead, their bite poses an entirely separate risk. Common vampire bats are one of the largest carriers of rabies, which they then re-distribute throughout Central and South America. They sometimes infect cows with it, which can lead to food sources being depleted for those living in the region. The risk doesn’t stop there. Some have been the hosts for other diseases, from Middle East respiratory syndrome to coronavirus. What makes things worse is that if the victim is asleep when the bat bites, they might not even feel it, meaning they could be sick and not know until it's too late.

#38: Asian Elephant

Some animals are dangerous because their instincts drive them to be, while others only become dangerous when they’re forced into contact with humans. For thousands of years, Asian elephants and humans have coexisted peacefully. However, a sharp increase in deforestation and industrialization has shrunk their native habitats, pushing the gentle giants into our living spaces. Over the last decade alone, over 100 people have met their fate by crossing paths with a wild elephant. The animals also wander around at night, eating crops and destroying farms. There’s no official solution yet – but a concerted effort to give them their own territory could be the answer.

#37: Indian Saw-Scaled Viper

There are several species of dangerous snakes, but few come close to being as deadly as this one. When you first spot an Indian saw-scaled viper, you may assume that its small size won’t make it much of a threat. Yet, the snake is believed to cause far more deaths than any other snake species in its native range, with only its relative, the carpet viper, coming close. It can inject up to 12 milligrams of poison, over double the amount it takes to kill an adult. The bite can affect the entire limb, getting worse and worse as the hours go by. While there is an antivenom that helps in most cases, about 20% of people bitten will pass away.

#36: Chimpanzee

Being evolutionarily similar to us doesn’t make them any safer to be around. Chimpanzees are known to have an incredibly aggressive side, both against other animals and humans. Many are twice as strong as most people, making them almost impossible to fight off. There have been several cases of chimps mauling adults and even eating babies. The most infamous case was a chimp named Travis, who was kept as a pet and attacked a woman, causing her to lose her hands, nose, and eyes. It isn’t just the captive ones you have to worry about. Wild chimps who see humans as competition will also become violent towards them – so it’s best to keep a safe distance either way.

#35: Hyena

With all the other dangerous creatures that call Africa their home, these animals may not even be on your radar. However, hyenas are much more harmful to us than you may think. Some have become man-eaters, particularly during times of war when there are more human corpses readily available. In modern times, they have also attacked those who sleep outside – including one case where a man was scalped by one as he slumbered. There have even been cases of children being snatched and dragged off by them. With people continuing to expand our territory into theirs, there’s a chance that these assaults will only get worse.

#34: Tiger Shark

When it comes to ocean predators, most species will do their best to ignore you, while others will go out of their way to ruin your day. Tiger sharks are responsible for more attacks against humans than almost any other shark species, second only to great whites. Some can grow over 16 feet long, and they often swim into shallow waters. This makes it easy for them to come in contact with people that just want to enjoy their day at the beach. They also have extremely sharp serrated teeth that are made to easily slice through prey and will do copious damage.

#33: Leopard

When thinking about dangerous big cats, leopards may not be the first to cross your mind due to their slightly smaller size. But they are the last creature you want to underestimate. Throughout history, there are reports of leopards who have killed over a hundred people. They have an affinity for hunting primates, and some even take down animals that are much larger than they are. Their ability to climb also makes them more threatening than other felines, and they can easily blend into most backgrounds. In many cases, you might not even know one was there until it’s too late.

#32: Tsetse Fly

Mosquitos deservedly get plenty of flack, but they aren’t the only deadly insect around. The African tsetse fly poses almost as much risk, and in a much more insidious way. Their large size and proboscis make them stand out among other bugs, and they use the latter to unknowingly ruin lives. They’re often the carriers of trypanosomiasis, otherwise known as sleeping sickness. Those who are infected with it experience headaches and itchiness, which devolve into numbness and a lack of sleep. Some people may even be infected for years before the end stage arrives. This has led to the implementation of tsetse eradication plans, which have slowly yet surely yielded positive results.

#31: Jaguar

It’s the largest feline found in the Americas, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. They can easily traverse land, tree, or water, making it nearly impossible to flee from one. Their strong jaws and large teeth can pierce through the hardest of materials – which makes it easy for them to bite through skulls and kill their prey. Jaguar attacks on humans are pretty rare, since they don’t see us as prey and would prefer to just steer clear. But some occasionally do go after people, from farmers to tourist groups.

#30: Ticks

They may be small, but never underestimate the danger these tiny insects can pose to humans. Ticks are a species of arachnid that can transmit a number of diseases to humans, including typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Additionally, certain subspecies of ticks, such as those found in Australia, can even cause temporary paralysis with their bites. To make matters worse, the extremely tiny size of most ticks make them difficult to find at first glance. This means that many victims of a tick’s feeding process may not discover these parasites until it’s too late, and a trip to the emergency room is on the horizon.

#29: Nile Crocodile

There’s a very good reason why certain mythological creatures from ancient Egypt so often take the forms of animals, such as the hippopotamus or a crocodile. This is because these sorts of animals were often seen as river killers, sources of fear and awe. Perhaps this also applies to the fearsome reputation of the Nile crocodile, which consumes more human victims than nearly every other example of its species. These man-eaters dwell primarily within African countries, including along the Nile in Egypt, albeit in historically smaller numbers. We can’t personally think of any place we’d want to run into this toothy beast, however.

#28: Assassin Bugs

There are a lot of sub-divisional categories out there of the Reduviidae, a family of predatory bugs that are known for ambushing their prey and spreading disease. These assassin bugs are specifically known for passing along Chagas Disease, a curious contagion with wide-ranging effects. Those afflicted with Chagas Disease may not initially see symptoms greater than some swelling or pain at the bite point. However, those that are left untreated could potentially see nerve damage or even heart disease later on in life, as a result of an assassin bug attack.

#27: Indian Red Scorpion

An encounter with any kind of scorpion probably isn’t ideal, but the Indian red scorpion is on a whole other level. This dangerous arachnid is one of the deadliest of its kind, possessing a painful sting that afflicts its victim with multiple, horrible symptoms. These include, but aren’t limited to, vomiting, sweating, shock, breathlessness, and a racing or abnormal heart rate. Indian red scorpions have been known to tragically take the lives of children within their native India, although survival is achievable, so long as the patient receives immediate medical attention.

#26: Inland Taipan

Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes? The inland taipan is an extremely venomous serpent that’s found primarily within Australia. The toxicity of the inland taipan’s venom is the strongest of its kind, with a single bite possessing enough lethal killing power to fell a hundred humans. Thankfully, the inland taipan’s inherently reclusive nature means that it usually seeks to avoid a confrontation rather than instigate one. This latter approach can also be found in its cousin, the coastal taipan, which actively acts aggressively towards human invaders. This essentially means that one should avoid any contact with either of these dangerous, slithering animals.

#25: Blue-Ringed Octopus

The world of dangerous octopi is one that’s usually reserved for movies, such as the one designed by Ray Harryhausen for the film “It Came From Beneath the Sea.” The reality, however, is that the blue-ringed octopus exists, and it arrives armed with a powerful neurotoxin. The demeanor of the blue-ringed octopus is similar to that of the inland taipan, in that it generally doesn’t seek out attention. However, if it’s disturbed, beware! The bites of these underwater animals aren’t very painful, but this aforementioned neurotoxin is deadly, and can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death only mere moments after contact.

#24: Anacondas

The lethality of anacondas thankfully doesn’t really apply to humans, since these aggressive predators don’t, as a rule, seek us out for confrontations. That said, these powerful serpents are still incredibly dangerous members of the animal kingdom, thanks to their incredible constrictive prowess. They can hunt and kill animals much larger than they are, including sheep and even jungle cats, such as jaguars. That’s not too shabby, considering anacondas actually aren’t even venomous! Interactions between humans and anacondas may not occur as often as they do in the movies, but the curious can rest assured knowing that these apex predators almost always come out on top.

#23: Komodo Dragon

Speaking of apex predators, the Komodo dragon is the king of the hill when it comes to modern day tyrant lizards. They’re the largest living example of the lizard species today, and dominate hunting grounds and food chains wherever they’re found, primarily within the islands of Indonesia. They’re known to hunt by stealth, utilizing patience to pounce and tear open their victims. The Komodo dragon is also known to scavenge graves for carrion or eat basically whatever’s in front of it during its sparse feeding times. This lengthy time between hunts thankfully lowers the Komodo dragon’s historical relationship with humans, although encounters between the two have been known to be fatal.

#22: Golden Poison Frog

It just sort of says it all right in the name, doesn’t it? The golden poison frog possesses one of the most intense and potent toxins in the world. The danger here lies within the frog’s actual skin, meaning that one needs to either touch or eat the golden poison frog, in order for this toxin to take effect. Should this occur, however, the secretion of its batrachotoxin will cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death in a most dramatic and painful fashion. The golden poison frog is found primarily within the Colombian rainforest, but their deadly and dangerous reputation endures far beyond the confines of the underbrush.

#21: Cone Snail

The tiny, humble snail may not be the first animal that comes to one’s mind when thinking about danger levels, but therein lies the irony. The cone snail is beautiful on the outside, but deadly on the inside, since these underwater creatures are extremely poisonous. Some smaller species possess little danger to humans, but the larger and more aggressive examples often employ tiny harpoon projectiles that can pierce even protected divers. These stings then transmit the cone snail’s potent toxin, which causes numbness, swelling, blurred vision, paralysis and, eventually, death. There is no known antivenom.

#20: Killer Whales

Also known as orcas, or the wolves of the sea, killer whales earn the “killer” in their name. These highly intelligent apex predators hunt a variety of prey, ranging from fish and seals to even sharks and whales. While there have been some incidents between wild killer whales and people, fatal attacks have yet to be recorded. However, it’s a different story for killer whales in captivity. Since the late 1960s, there have been dozens of incidents involving captive killer whales attacking humans. These have resulted in injuries and even fatalities, generating lots of discussion surrounding the controversy of keeping them in captivity. One killer whale in particular, known as Tilikum, was involved in the deaths of three people, including two of his trainers.

#19: Deathstalker Scorpion

This little guy is one of the reasons scorpions have such a bad rep, as it is responsible for three quarters of scorpion-related deaths annually, with young children and the elderly especially at risk. The third most venomous scorpion in the world, the deathstalker’s venom is extremely potent and painful, and is actually resistant to treatment. Though healthy adults won’t necessarily die from its sting, much antivenom would likely be required. It is found primarily throughout North Africa and the Middle East, so if you’re in the neighborhood, watch out.

#18: Cassowary

If you’re looking for proof that birds are related to dinosaurs, look no further than the cassowary. Armed with powerful legs and dagger-like claws, the cassowary can deliver a kick that will break bones and slice through flesh. While these large birds are cautious around humans, more than a hundred instances of people being attacked by cassowaries have been reported – most of which involved food. Thankfully, fatalities are rare. Though it’s possible for the cassowary to be partially domesticated, owning one can still be dangerous. In April 2019, a Florida man was killed by a cassowary he raised when it fatally injured him after he fell down. The cassowary’s potential for harm has earned it the title of the world’s most dangerous bird.

#17: Pufferfish

While not the biggest or most ferocious entry on our list, the pufferfish is nevertheless extremely dangerous. If inflating its body doesn’t discourage predators, then its high levels of toxicity sure do. Pufferfish possess tetrodotoxin, which is over a thousand times more lethal than cyanide. A single pufferfish has enough tetrodotoxin to kill 30 adult humans. In Japan, pufferfish known as fugu are considered a delicacy, but only licensed chefs are allowed to prepare it, as even the slightest mistake could prove fatal. In 1958, the number of people who died from fugu poisoning peaked at 176, but has decreased over time, with about 20 fatalities being reported in Japan since the turn of the 21st century. To this day, no known antidote exists.

#16: Cape Buffalo

When you think of the most dangerous animals in Africa, the Cape buffalo may not be your first, or even fifth, thought. They are responsible for hundreds of deaths every year, however, and eagerly go after jeeps and trucks, overturning them with ease. They are sometimes referred to as “The Black Death” and have been known to fight off crocodiles and lions. Their ability to run at 40 miles an hour despite weighing 2,000 pounds makes them one of the most dangerous animals in not only Africa, but the entire world.

#15: Japanese Giant Hornet

Afraid of bugs? Then these hornets are your worst nightmare. The largest of its kind on earth, Japanese giant hornets are feared for their highly potent venom, which can kill a person if stung enough times. Even if the venom doesn’t kill right away, those unfortunate enough to be stung by one are forced to endure intense, searing pain. On average, these insects kill an estimated 10 to 50 people a year in Japan, and injure many more. Recently spotted in the United States, this invasive species poses a significant threat to honey bee populations and the larger ecosystem. With such a terrifying reputation, it’s no wonder that they were given the nickname “murder hornets.”

#14: Grizzly Bear

Weighing between 400 to 800 pounds on average, the grizzly bear is a force to be feared. While they may not actively hunt humans, urban expansion into their territory has made grizzlies more dangerous, as they’ve come to associate humans with food. While rare, attacks from grizzlies are often fatal. Mother grizzlies are especially dangerous, as they’re more likely to attack if they feel their cubs are threatened. Along with their enhanced sense of smell and powerful claws, grizzlies can easily outrun humans, and have a bite force strong enough to crush bowling balls. When heading out to grizzly country, knowing how to navigate an encounter with one could mean the difference between life and death.

#13: Brazilian Wandering Spider

Unlike most spiders, this creepy crawly does not make its home in a web or lair. Rather, it lives a nomadic lifestyle, hunting and ambushing its prey. This makes the Brazilian wandering spider even more dangerous, as it often wanders into human settlements. Known for hiding in dark places such as boots and shoes, these spiders thus bite people in self-defense. While its venom can be treated with antivenom, it is still the most potent poison of any spider. It directly targets the nervous system, which can potentially be fatal, making it extremely dangerous – especially for children. We’d expect nothing less from a spider whose genus translates to “murderess.”

#12: African Elephant

Elephants are one of the most popular creatures on the planet, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. They have been known to become extremely aggressive without warning, making them one of the more unpredictable animals on the planet. This is especially dangerous because they frequently come into contact with people, through safaris and other ventures. It seems like at least once a year there is a story about an elephant wandering into a village and trampling dozens of people.

#11: Honey Badger

Considered the most fearless animal alive by the “Guinness Book of World Records,” the honey badger is one of nature’s most relentless hunters. It possesses powerful claws and fangs that can break open tortoise shells. It also has a strong resistance to venom, and a loose but thick hide tough enough to resist blows from a machete. The honey badger won’t hesitate to challenge and even repel much larger predators such as leopards and lions. They’re also highly intelligent, and can escape from or break into secure enclosures. Because they often attack livestock and bee farms, they increasingly get into conflicts with humans. When provoked, they are terrifying, and will fight to the death if escape is impossible. Honey badger don’t care!

#10: Hippopotamus

While hippos may not necessarily come across as an extremely dangerous animal, they are aggressive and have been known to attack people without provocation. They are usually found in Africa, and are one of the larger animals responsible for killing the most humans on that continent. Despite weighing several thousand pounds, a hippo can run as fast as 20 miles per hour, and has an extremely powerful mouth. They can decimate safari vehicles without breaking a sweat.

#9: Saltwater Crocodile

The largest reptile in the world, saltwater crocodiles are extremely dangerous and are responsible for attacking hundreds of people every year. They are found all over the world in all sorts of habitats, including both saltwater and freshwater. They have the strongest bite of any animal currently in existence, with their jaws capable of applying over 3,500 pounds of pressure per square inch. They have an alarming tendency to consider humans as their prey, although only if we venture into their territory.

#8: Bull Shark

Alongside great white and tiger sharks, the bull shark is one of three shark species most likely to attack humans unprovoked. While the great white has been implicated in more unprovoked attacks on humans, several factors make the bull shark more dangerous to humans than any other shark species. These include its high aggression level, a much more powerful bite force than the great white, and (most dangerous of all) its ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater sources. In rare cases, bull sharks have even been sighted going far up both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Some experts believe that the bull shark was responsible for the Jersey Shore attacks of 1916 – an event that inspired the novel “Jaws.”

#7: Sloth Bear

Native to the Indian subcontinent, sloth bears may look adorable and fluffy, but they’re extremely aggressive. They have a reputation for regularly attacking humans more than any other bear. With human populations growing, and their territory decreasing, human and sloth bear encounters have gradually increased as the animals wander into towns in search of food. Due to their poor eyesight, sloth bears are easily startled, and thus more likely to lash out in self-defense or to defend their cubs. Between 1998 and 2000, 137 sloth bear attacks, including 11 fatalities, occurred in the North Bilaspur Forest Division in the state of Chhattisgarh. In 1957, a specimen known as the Sloth Bear of Mysore achieved notoriety for killing at least 12 people and seriously injuring over 20 others.

#6: African Lion

Take one look at an African lion and you know that you are putting your life at risk just by getting within striking distance of the animal. This doesn’t seem to stop humans from going on safaris or attempting to tame them, however. As a result, hundreds of people die every year at the hands of the African lion. Luckily, they do not actively seek out humans, but their amazing speed and razor sharp teeth and claws mean that if they do decide to make you their prey, you are in a lot of trouble!

#5: Polar Bear

Raised in the harsh environment of the Arctic Circle, polar bears have evolved into one of the world’s apex predators. Reaching heights of more than nine feet and weighing over 1,000 pounds, the polar bear is the largest terrestrial carnivore on earth. While normally cautious by nature, hungry polar bears will kill and eat virtually anything, big or small, including humans. With the loss of their habitat due to climate change, and a lack of fear towards people, more and more polar bears are drawn towards human populations in search of food. Given the polar bear’s immense size, powerful claws, and teeth capable of tearing a human to shreds, any encounter can prove fatal.

#4: Tiger

As one of the world’s most iconic animals, the tiger has left its mark in history, mythology and popular culture. Along with being the largest cat species, tigers can be divided into several subspecies, such as the common Bengal tiger, and the Siberian tiger. With jaws strong enough to crush the throats of its prey, and paws capable of inflicting heavy blows, tigers are apex predators that are praised and feared for their legendary strength and hunting prowess. Some tigers have even acquired a fearsome reputation for being man-eaters, with the most infamous being the Champawat Tiger, which allegedly killed more than 400 people over the course of seven years at the turn of the 20th century.

#3: Box Jellyfish

If you come across one of these creatures while scuba diving or floating in the sea, get away as fast as possible. The box jellyfish is one of the most venomous animals on the entire planet, a category that includes frogs, scorpions, and snakes. It can possess as many as 60 tentacles, and their sting can kill a human, either by paralyzing them which leads to drowning, or by stopping their heart. Luckily, many people survive encounters with the box jellyfish, but not without first experiencing excruciating pain.

#2: Black Mamba Snake

Despite being the second most venomous snake in the world, the black mamba makes our list because it is the most feared snake in all of Africa – which is saying something. Their bite has been called the “kiss of death” and can kill a human in less than 10 hours if not treated effectively. While the black mamba usually tries to flee from humans, they will attack if they feel threatened, delivering deadly strikes in rapid succession.

#1: Mosquito

With a list that includes crocodiles, lions, and sharks, it may be difficult to believe that mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on the planet. While they won’t eat you, this small insect is responsible for killing over a million people each year because it spreads diseases, the most famous of which is malaria. In fact, they are said to transfer diseases to over 700 million people annually. They are located all over the world, from tropical areas to cold climates, and are responsible for more human deaths than all the other animals on this list put together.

Which of these animals would you be the most scared to come across? Let us know in the comments below!