The wildlife on planet Earth is truly amazing. But even some of the most magnificent creatures are toxic to humans. Find out where to find the creatures that are the deadliest below.
Sudan, The Democratic Republic Of The Congo, And Angola: The Tsetse Fly Is The Most Dangerous Fly In The World
When you think of the world’s deadliest animals, flies don’t tend to be the first creature that comes up. But the Tsetse fly is the most dangerous fly in the world. It certainly doesn’t look deadly or dangerous: it’s about the same size as your average housefly. You’ll commonly find it in Sub-Saharan Africa, in countries such as Sudan and South Sudan, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What makes this fly so deadly is the parasites that it spreads when it sucks human blood. The parasites are known as Trypanosomes and cause a disease known as African Sleeping sickness. The effects of the disease are lethal and include a series of neurological symptoms, such as behavioral changes, poor coordination, and disturbances in the sleep cycle. The illness can even cause death if left untreated.
There is no vaccine or medication available at the moment to prevent the disease from being spread, so those in the affected countries can only take precautions to deter the fly from being attracted to them in the first place. In remote areas, it’s always important to wear permethrin-treated gear, avoid bushes during the day, and avoid bright or dark clothing.
class="related-single">
RELATED: Things To Do In Africa (Other Than Go On Safari)
The Indo-Pacific Countries: The Saltwater Crocodile Is Far Deadlier Than The Alligator
class="related-single">
Saltwater crocodiles are the most fearsome of their kind, so it’s easy to see why they count as one of the deadliest animals on the planet. Larger than fresh-water crocodiles and more aggressive than alligators, saltwater crocodiles are definitely not the kind of creature you’d want to run into while swimming in countries like India, Vietnam, and Australia.
Crocodiles are actually responsible for more human deaths than sharks and are reported to kill hundreds each year. They can grow up to 23 feet in length and, at their heaviest, can weigh more than a ton. Their bite can deliver 3,700 pounds per square inch of pressure, which is comparable to the tyrannosaurus rex.
RELATED: 10 Cute Australian Animals To See That Aren't Koalas
To make matters worse, saltwater crocodiles are fantastic swimmers in both fresh and saltwater. They are commonly found in countries in the Indo-Pacific region. If you’re ever thinking of swimming in countries in the region, it’s crucial to ensure that the waters are not infested with crocodiles.
The Countries Of South And East Africa: The Mamba Is The World’s Fastest Snake
All snakes are frightening but some have the potential to do more harm than others. The king cobra is known as one of the most dangerous snakes due to the potency of its poison, but the black mamba is actually considered by many to be even more lethal due to speed at which it strikes.
The black mamba is the fastest snake in the world, moving at a speed of up 12.5 miles per hour. The snake can grow up to about 14 feet long and, when threatened, will repeatedly bite. It also delivers enough venom in a single bite to kill 10 humans. Thankfully, there is an antivenin available. However, if a victim doesn’t receive it within 20 minutes of being bitten, it is almost 100% guaranteed that they will die.
This snake commonly lives in the countries of southern and eastern Africa. It can be found in rocky areas and savannas.
China, Japan And The Philippines: Pufferfish Are Deadlier Than They Look
class="related-single">
Pufferfish are a striking fish to observe from afar, but you wouldn’t want to get too close to these beautiful creatures. Sometimes referred to as blowfish, these fish are actually the second-most poisonous vertebrate on the planet. Their poison is up to 1,200 times more powerful than cyanide.
People do eat them, despite their poison being found in the skin, muscle tissue. Liver, kidneys, and gonads. A delicacy in Japan, pufferfish can only be prepared by licensed chefs. However, this hasn’t stopped death from accidental ingestion of poison occurring multiple times each year. Those who are infected experience difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, vomiting, dizziness, and sometimes even death.
RELATED: Tips Every Backpacker Going To Asia Needs To Remember
Australia: The Box Jellyfish’s Venom Is Often Fatal
class="next-single">
Australia is known for its dangerous wildlife. While many foreign visitors feel worried about great white sharks, the real threat to be aware of is the box jellyfish, found in the Indo-Pacific waters to the north of the country.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration considers the box jellyfish to be the most venomous marine animal in the world, and it doesn’t help swimmers that they’re almost invisible. The toxins found in the stinging cells of the jellyfish’s tentacles attack the heart, the nervous system, and the skin cells simultaneously.
Much of the time, the venom of the box jellyfish is fatal. Those who are bitten often go into shock and down or experience heart failure. Those who are lucky enough to make it to the hospital for treatment are often left in pain for weeks.