After so much social distancing, the world is slowly opening its doors. And you, of course, are already thinking about what your next trip will be, aren’t you? Life is short, opportunities are gone, and that’s why we must organize ourselves and take advantage of the travel possibilities. However, before jumping into the adventure, you need to take some precautions. Some regions of the world are home to the most dangerous animals that exist. And it doesn’t matter if you have health insurance: in many cases, insurance won’t cover problems involving animal.
From North America to southern Africa, or even more remote regions like the Arctic, it doesn’t matter: wild animals exist and can pose danger to travelers. We must respect animals and their spaces, as this is the only way we can also take care of our own health and safety.
Viper With Saw Scale
If you are planning your trip to dry regions, be careful! Certain regions of India and Africa are known to be the natural habitat of saw scale vipers. This species is extremely dangerous and usually hunts at night, when it goes out in search of food. The dry terrain of these regions favors its action, providing it with perfect conditions to also attack humans who travel to the place. With its lethal bite, the viper can cause irreparable damage, poisoning the blood and causing brain hemorrhages in its victims. Just to give you an idea of the danger, this type of snake is the one that kills the most in the world.
Portuguese caravel
You mean you like to spend your holidays at the beach? In fact, it’s a delight to dive into the sea and get lost in the waves, especially in summer. But have you ever heard of the dangers of jellyfish? This animal, also called the Portuguese caravel, can cause trouble for unsuspecting swimmers. Its bite is extremely painful and leaves deep marks, as if the person had been beaten with a whip. Affectionately nicknamed the “floating terror”, this animal can be found in the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. When you see jellyfish, run away as fast as possible! And in that case, take a conventional boat: you certainly don’t want to go by caravel…
White shark
Do you remember the movie Jaws? Whenever this scary villain was about to attack, that sinister music would start and fill his heart with dread. Things are different in real life, but not that much. The white shark is a marine animal that could not be left out of this list, precisely because it is one of the most dangerous beings on the planet. This ocean dweller, from time to time, frightens unsuspecting bathers and attacks them with great fury. Its bite is intense and causes deep damage, and can even cause the death of its victims. If you still have doubts about the dangers of swimming on beaches where there are sharks, read the news about shark attacks. It’s really shocking.
African Buffalo
The African buffalo is an animal whose size and beauty fascinate the most sensitive souls: if you have never read Clarice Lispector, start with the short story “O buffalo” and see how this quadruped enchanted the famous writer. But fiction doesn’t always reveal the dangers of real life. Known for its huge tusks, the African buffalo can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa and weighs approximately 2,000 pounds! In addition, these animals are great hunters, facing equally strong animals such as lions and elephants. So, the message is given: if you are planning a trip to regions where there are buffaloes, be extra careful.
Palestine Yellow Scorpion
The Palestine yellow scorpion (or palestinian yellow scorpion) also poses a major threat. Not only is it dangerous for small animals, it can also cause huge problems for its human victims. Found on the African continent, in the Middle East and even in certain regions of Brazil, this type of scorpion has a powerful venom. The substance released when biting is capable of causing anaphylactic shock, as it contains high amounts of neurotoxins. So, when traveling to the regions we mentioned, always be alert: the yellow scorpion of Palestine is small and can unexpectedly appear in your path. If that happens, run, run as fast as you can!
Cone Snail
You may feel under the influence of hypnosis as you contemplate the shapes and details of this beautiful being. The cone snail is, in fact, a very beautiful and exotic animal, being found mainly in tropical seas. However, many specimens of this species are venomous. If you live on the coast or plan to travel to these regions, remember that certain types of cone snail pose a danger to humans. As there is no antivenom for the substance they produce, contact with these snails can be disastrous — and your health insurance probably won’t be very helpful in that case. So, when you come across a cone snail, don’t even think about contemplating it. Just swim away.
Giant Pacific Octopus
According to the documentary Professor Polvo, these animals are endowed with great sensitivity and intelligence. In this Netflix production, a man recounts his interesting and beautiful learning relationship with an octopus. But are they really harmless, as the documentary shows? Although they are fascinating beings, octopuses can present some dangers to humans. They are marine predators and, to capture their prey, they use the suction cups on their numerous legs. In addition, the octopus has a radula, which is a type of tongue with teeth — this detail alone should make you think twice about diving into uncharted waters…
Hipoppotamus
To be honest, nobody likes mosquitoes — anyone who says they do is lying. They are inconvenient beings that make uncomfortable noises and often end up stinging our skin. What’s more, their size allows them to sneak into our homes and irritate us with their presence. But did you know that there are extremely dangerous mosquitoes? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquitoes cause about 750,000 deaths worldwide! That number is impressive considering the size of the mosquito. Some species can transmit malaria and yellow fever, causing serious illness and even killing. Did you hear a little mosquito nearby? You better run!
Strangler Powder
Thinking about traveling after the pandemic, huh? After so many months of social distancing and isolation, we are all looking forward to getting on a plane and exploring the world. But take care, both with covid-19 and with certain animals. Once again, we indicate the octopus as one of the most dangerous beings on this list. Now, we’re talking about the blue-ringed octopus, a species that inhabits the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is considered extremely poisonous and, according to our research, there is no health insurance that covers the damage caused by its poison. Also known as the strangler octopus, it takes its name from the asphyxia caused by the toxic substance it releases.
Hyena
If you grew up in the 1990s, you’re likely to remember the vicious hyenas from The Lion King. They were the evil companions of the villain of the story and caused the most damage wherever they went. These days, this production remains quite popular, especially after a recent remake. But if the hyenas are evil in the movie, they are even worse in real life. Known for making a sound that resembles human laughter, hyenas can attack people who get too close to their packs. With their strong jaws, they are capable of breaking the toughest of bones. If you are traveling to countries where hyenas are found, be very careful and follow the advice of trusted tourist guides. And never, under any circumstances, want to get close to a hyena.
Black Mamba
The name “black mamba” immediately reminds us of the iconic character from the Quentin Tarantino movie Kill Bill. In the film, Mamba Negra is the pseudonym of a murderous and vengeful villain, who does everything to ruin the life of the protagonist of the story. Well, the real black mamba is not much different: it is almost 5 meters long and its venom is extremely lethal. It is a snake capable of moving at high speed and, therefore, becomes even more threatening to humans and other animals. For you to understand the seriousness of the problem, the venom of a black mamba can kill about 12 people! Therefore, regardless of the country you are in, follow the instructions of your tour guide and avoid walking without sturdy shoes in areas with a lot of vegetation.
Tsetse Parasite
Ever heard of the tsetse fly? Probably not, as this type of fly is found only in the tropical regions of Africa. But maybe you are thinking about traveling to this region, right? In that case, be careful. Although it is popularly classified as a “fly”, in reality the tsetse falls under the category of parasites. As it is a very small being, it can easily enter homes and contaminate food for human consumption. Also, as it depends on blood to survive, the tsetse is a really harmful parasite.
Stonefish
Admit it: now you thought you’d have to run away from the rocks too! But you can relax. While our goal is to warn of the dangers of wildlife, the stones remain harmless. However, stonefish can poison your body and the result is not at all cool. This species of fish is the most poisonous in the world, as it produces a very potent neurotoxin. They can be found in Pacific and Indian seas, although this is not so easy, precisely because of their power to camouflage themselves in rocks. All in all, it’s a beautiful animal to behold… if you can outsmart its cloaking power, of course.
Bee
According to historical data, its origin dates back to the 1950s, when bee breeders had the idea of crossing European and African species. Since then, the species has spread across America and has become known as the “killer bee”. This bad reputation is not without reason, as they are capable of killing even large mammals such as cattle, horses and humans.
Crocodile
When we think of crocodiles, it is impossible not to remember their ancestors, the dinosaurs. In fact, these animals have inhabited Planet Earth for a long time and have evolved to this point. But it’s hard to see that they don’t just exist in horror movies or nature documentaries. If you go to the beautiful beaches bathed by the Indian or Pacific Ocean, you will find crocodiles. Likewise, these gigantic reptiles can swim in the calm waters of tropical lagoons and rivers. But nobody wants to swim alongside such dangerous animals, do they? Some specimens of this species can exceed 6 meters in length, often weighing about a ton. Can you imagine taking a bite from such a creature?
Wasp-hunter
Look at the picture. Look one more time. This is a classic case where appearances can be deceiving. At first glance, it just looks like a harmless wasp, right? But the truth is that the wasp-hunter is an insect, of the parasitoid wasp type. With an intense navy blue color, long legs and a very sharp stinger, this type of insect can be a threat to humans. Even though it is a predator of tarantulas, it is not unlikely that the wasp hunter could attack our species as well. So, before traveling, prepare well and investigate the region of your destination!
Polar Bear
It’s ok, you don’t have to worry so much about a polar bear attack. Unless, of course, you intend to spend a season in the Arctic. This beautiful animal draws attention for its white fur and became popular when used in Coca-Cola advertisements. In addition, his beauty is so fascinating, he even looks like a stuffed animal. But there’s nothing kidding about a wild animal bite, is there? Although polar bear attacks are rare, you need to be cautious and stay away from them. In addition, they are endangered animals, thanks to the shameful action of human beings.
Puffer Fish
Yes, you read that right: the puffer fish is also on this list of dangerous animals. Even though they have a literally “cute” appearance, these fish can pose some risks to humans. According to a National Geographic publication, the puffer fish is one of the most venomous animals in the world, ranking first in this regard. This is because puffer fish release a toxin called tetrodotoxin when they inflate. If this toxin reaches your nervous system, the risks are immense, as it blocks communication between the brain and the human body. Did you see a puffer fish? Run… or rather, swim away!
Golden Frog
Now that you know the puffer fish, the second most venomous animal in the world, how about meeting the first? That’s right: a tiny frog, which looks more like a miniature toy. The golden frog is perfect proof that size doesn’t matter — which is nonetheless a comforting reminder for anyone who feels too short. His name obviously references the golden coloring of his skin. But most importantly, in the case of the golden frog, its venom is extremely toxic, to the point of stopping the hearts of even large animals. Don’t let that little guy get close to you!
Jellyfish
As you already know, the Portuguese caravel jellyfish can pose serious risks. But we have not yet mentioned other types of jellyfish, such as the luminescent jellyfish and moon jellyfish. These other two species can be found in oceans and tropical regions. If your next destination is in these regions, it’s best to swim with extreme caution. Follow the recommendations of local guides and do not dive in areas where these jellyfish are concentrated. Remember that these beings release very harmful toxins to the human body, which can affect the heart and nervous system.
Lynx
For those who are a fan of cats, it almost makes you want to adopt a lynx as a pet. But only if you really don’t have any sense, as this beautiful animal is also a very dangerous beast. Although it looks a lot like a domestic cat, the lynx is a wild feline and must remain in its natural habitat. They are found in Western Europe, Eurasia, and Canada, among other regions. Its pale yellow fur is marked with black spots, and its ears have spikes that set it apart from other felines. In addition, the lynx has very peculiar eyes, as you can see in the photo. It looks like he’s been watching us carefully. Carefully. We better get out of here!
Horned Rattlesnake
This snake species usually inhabits dry and desert regions such as the southwestern United States and Mexico. Just check out her appearance in the photo, to conclude that this one is not a flower to smell! Even though its venom is not lethal, it is a very toxic substance for the human organism and, therefore, it is better to stay away from this rattlesnake.
Varano-Malay
This one is not such a common animal. In fact, few people are familiar with the name “Malayman-Varano”. Usually, when we see pictures of such an animal, we simply label it a lizard. This is still true: the Malayan Varano is a species of lizard, but a large and very dangerous lizard. Even if they aren’t great hunters, Malayan wrasses have a kind of secret power: their saliva is toxic, which helps them catch prey. In addition to walking on land, he also swims with great agility. So be careful when traveling to the rainforests of Asia, where he inhabits. You sure as hell don’t want to know the deadly spit of the Malay wagons.
Vampire Bat
Do you also enjoy reading stories about vampires, like Bram Stoker’s Dracula? Or are you a fan of Interview with the Vampire? Well, maybe it scares you to know that, in a way, vampires do exist. The vampire bat is an aggressive species that hunts its prey with great determination, really reminiscent of the bloodlust of fictional vampires. As they are nocturnal animals and they like dark environments, be careful if you want to explore caves or places with low light. The problem, in this case, is the vampire bat’s bite: in addition to being very potent, it can also transmit rabies. When this happens, there is no garlic, crucifix or holy water to help.