We humans sometimes forget about the food chain. Having the luxury of being at the top for so long, we often forget that amidst war, lead poisoning and medical illnesses, there are threats to our lives like natural predators. Barring those living in Australia, most of us donāt need to worry about encountering any of these nightmarish predatory species anytime soon. Here are nine ncredibly terrifying animals that actually exist in the world, that I hope that you never confront in person:
1. Fire Ants
Known to attack in droves, these fire ants will bite and then sting you with potentially fatal venom from its abdomen. Theyāre an invasive species found in the US, Australia, China and Taiwan.
2. Cyclops Shark
This Mike Wazowski-looking fella is only a fetus, which was cut out from a pregnant dusky shark. Although other Cyclops Sharks have been found, research indicates that they donāt survive very long due to their one eye deficit. Although this shark doesnāt pose much of a threat to humans, I would not want to see it swimming towards me in the ocean.
3. Inland Taipan
A native to the (surprise!) Australian outback, the Inland Taipan is considered to be the most venomous snake in the world. One bite posses enough venom to kill 100 grown men, in as little as a half hour. However, the Inland Taipan isnāt one for confrontation and will typically only attack if you provoke it. So donāt.
4. Saltwater Crocodile
We all know what a crocodile is, but we rarely actually stop to think about what terrifying yet majestic creatures they are. Saltwater crocs are the largest living reptiles and average about six meters (21 feet) in length which probably comes in handy when they successfully ambush prey that can range from sharks to humans. Humans are suggested to stay far away from any crocodileās habitat since theyāre known for attacking even unprovoked.
5. Goliath Tigerfish
The Goliath Tigerfish inhabits rivers in the Congo and is distinctive due to its massive teeth. They have been known to attack humans and some have even gone as far as to call it the āgreatest freshwater game fish in the worldā.
6. Box Jellyfish
By far the most deadly marine animal, the Box Jellyfish has the capacity to hunt and chase prey, as opposed to drifting as most jellyfish do. They can travel at speeds up to two meters/second, and their venom can cause hyperkalemia in humans, and prove fatal within minutes.
7. Blue Ringed Octopus
Although they only reach up to the size of a golf ball, the blue ringed octopus poses a threat to any human that approaches it since its bite results in the release of a powerful neurotoxin. One octopus has enough venom to kill up to 26 fully grown humans.
8. Death Stalker Scorpion
The scorpionās sting is incredibly painful to humans, but good news! There is a powerful anti-venom that can be purchased. Theyāre found primarily in the northern African and Middle Eastern regions, so make sure that you keep an eye on where youāre stepping if youāre ever there.
9. Komodo Dragon
Komodo Dragons are not, as their name suggests, dragons. But, they are the largest lizard species in the world, and can grow up to 10 feet. Their bites secrete toxic venom into their prey which typically consist of birds, mammals and the occasional human. They attack by stealthily approaching their prey before clamping down on their throat and then tearing out chunks. Which sounds unpleasant, so look out if youāre ever in Indonesia.
*All variants of spiders have been left out of this list for my sanity*
