Dangerous animals
Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- This article describes large animals. See pests for insects and other small animals.
Any large animal is capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal, from the size of a mouse, is capable of inflicting a nasty injury. Even apparently unlikely animals can be dangerous: a cute bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be extremely nasty, and in 2014 a fisherman in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to grab the animal to get a good photo.
Proverbially dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, males of some species in mating season, and a mother with offspring to protect. Even otherwise gentle domestic animals can be dangerous in some circumstances: a horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as hyenas and wolverines have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range.
Large predators, such as crocodiles, sharks and big cats, are obviously dangerous. However, very few animal species regard human beings as prey. More people are killed by large herbivores than by predators. In North America, moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined. Worldwide, hippos injure more people than any other animal, and moose rank second. In the water, jellyfish cause more injuries than sharks.
Pets should be protected with care, respect and concern. Dog owners should always make use of a leash. To a predator, an unaccompanied dog may look like easy prey. A naïve dog may attack a predator, which could result in serious injury to your pet, or ultimately to the pet owner.
Most animals, large or small, can also be pests by stealing food, spreading infections, or damaging property.
Keep in mind that a physical bite or scratch is not the only risk. Animals may also be carriers of rabies; bats in particular are dangerous for this, but any mammal can carry it. If you have potentially been exposed to rabies, prompt treatment is critical. Treatment only works prior to development of symptoms, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop.
UnderstandWild animals are much more dangerous than domesticated pets. Certain predators and any large animals in the wild can become quite dangerous, especially in groups.
Risk factorsHigh-risk places, where wild animals are often seen:
BirdsThe largest birds, such as ostriches and emus, can kick down a human.
FishOf the hundreds of known species of sharks, only a handful are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety, and attacks on humans are rare.
InsectsIn some countries, biting insects are capable of inflicting serious illnesses, and in some cases life threatening conditions.
JellyfishIn Northern Australia – and specifically the Northern Territory – on the coast, beach swimming is strongly advised against due to the difficult to see and very dangerous forms of jellyfish, particularly the box…
MammalsMost ape species live in troops and are highly territorial. They will not generally bother humans who keep their distance, but if you provoke them then the whole troop (or at least all the young males) may attack.
Reptiles and amphibiansCrocodiles are dangerous animals and they can eat just about anything they encounter. They are mostly found in equatorial zones, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Dangerous animals" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons