The Most Dangerous Animals in the World

Cone Snail

Found in the warm waters in the tropics (think the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Indonesia), these beautiful creatures, can be seen in shallow depths closer to shore, near coral reefs and rock formations, and beneath sandy shoals. But do not dare to touch the 4- to 6-inch long gastropods: their concealed, harpoon-like “teeth” contain a complex venom known as a conotoxin, making them one of the most venomous species of snails. If you suffer the unlucky fate of becoming one of the handful of people ever stung, head to the emergency room immediately, as there is no antivenin. The toxin stops nerve cells from communicating with one another; so the creature causes paralysis within moments.

Golden Poison Dart Frog

The poison dart is a large, diverse group of brightly coloured frogs that live mostly in northern South America, and only a handful of species are particularly dangerous to humans. The most deadly, the golden poison dart, inhabits the small range of rain forests along Colombia’s Pacific coast, and grows to around two inches long (roughly the size of a paper clip). Its poison, called batrachotoxin, is so potent that there’s enough in one frog to kill ten grown men. But what makes the amphibian especially dangerous is that its poison glands are located beneath its skin, meaning just by touching

it you will be in danger. It is no wonder the indigenous Emberá people have dipped the tips of their blow darts used for hunting with the frog’s toxin for centuries.

Box Jellyfish

Often found floating in the Indo-Pacific waters north of Australia, these transparent, nearly invisible invertebrates are considered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the most venomous marine animal in the world. The have 15 tentacles at the corners, with each growing as much as 10 feet long, all lined with thousands of stinging cells—known as nematocysts. These contain toxins that simultaneously attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. While antivenins do exist, the venom is so potent and overwhelming that many human victims have been known to go into shock and drown or die of heart failure before reaching shore.

Black Mamba

The black mamba is especially deadly due to its speed. Found in the savannas and rocky areas of southern and eastern Africa, the species (which can grow up to 14 feet long) is the fastest of all snakes, slithering at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour. Thankfully, black mambas usually only strike when threatened—but when they do, they’ll bite repeatedly, delivering enough venom (a blend of neuro- and cardiotoxins) in a single bite to kill ten people. And if one doesn’t receive the antivenin within 20 minutes, the bites are almost 100 percent fatal.