What is the most dangerous animal in the world?

The most dangerous animal in the world is not necessarily the one that is the biggest or scariest looking. Dangerousness can be defined in many different ways, such as the number of deaths, the strength of the poison or the aggressiveness. In this article, we look at a few animals that have earned their place among the most dangerous.

Mosquitoes

Surprisingly enough, mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals in the world. They spread several deadly diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus and West Nile virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria alone causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, especially in Africa. The danger of mosquitoes is due to their ability to spread diseases over a wide area and quickly.

Snakes

Snakes, especially poisonous species such as cobra, black mamba and taipan, are also very dangerous. Snakebites cause an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 deaths worldwide each year. The venom can cause severe tissue damage, paralysis and even death if not treated quickly.

Freshwater snails

Freshwater snails may seem harmless, but they spread schistosomiasis, a serious tropical disease. Schistosomiasis affects millions of people, especially in developing countries, and can cause chronic health problems and even death.

Large mammals

Although insects and small animals are the most dangerous carriers of disease, large mammals such as hippos, lions and elephants can also be very dangerous. Hippos are particularly known for their aggression and cause more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal.

Sharks

Sharks, especially white sharks, are feared in the sea. Although shark attacks are rare, they can be fatal. Sharks usually attack when they mistake a human for prey, such as a seal.

Sources

• WHO: Malaria
• WHO: Snakebite Envenoming
• CDC: Schistosomiasis
• National Geographic: Hippos
• Florida Museum: International Shark Attack File

In summary, it can be stated that the most dangerous animal in the world depends on how dangerous is defined. Mosquitoes are definitely the most dangerous vectors of disease, while large mammals and venomous snakes pose direct physical threats. Each of these animals deserves its place among the most dangerous in its own way.