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Deadly Animals of the World: A Glimpse at the Indian Cobra, Polar Bear, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, and Box Jellyfish

© Mary M. Alward

Five of the world’s most deadly creatures are animals that you aren’t likely to meet in the backyard or during a hike through the woods. But if you are traveling abroad or live in the countries where these animals are found, be on the lookout and have your fastest shoes on. If you see one of them, you might want to travel, very quickly, in the opposite direction.

The Indian Cobra

The Indian Cobra is not the world’s most venomous snake, but it breeds in large numbers in Sri Lanka and India. More than 50,000 people die each year from a cobra’s bite. If you are visiting either of these countries, be on the alert. These snakes are quick to strike.

Polar Bears

Polar bears are the most ferocious bear on Earth. Pictures of these majestic creatures cuddling with their cubs are common. The animals appear docile and quiet. However, it is a different story if you meet a polar bear in its natural habitat. They are very territorial and if hungry, or with cubs, they are deadly. Each year in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, tourists take specially-built buses to view these creatures in the wild.

The Cape Buffalo

The Cape Buffalo is the most dangerous animal in Africa. They will charge a human for no understood reason. Their horns are deadly, and if wounded by a hunter, the cape buffalo will turn the tables and hunt the hunter. He will continue the pursuit until either he or the hunter is dead.

Elephants

Often referred to as “gentle giants,” elephants are usually calm and docile, but they can kill a human without even realizing they are doing any harm. Because they are so much fun to watch, we forget how powerful they are. So, if you are ever close to an elephant, use extreme caution.

Box Jellyfish

The box jellyfish that makes it home on the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the most venomous creature on the planet. Every sting brings certain death. Just touching it brings terrible pain. Swimmers off the coast of Queensland must use extreme caution.

Links:
Australia's most dangerous animals.
Fascinating but deadly.
Dangers in rivers.

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