{"id":27496,"date":"2023-05-23T18:36:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T16:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=74740"},"modified":"2023-05-23T19:37:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T17:37:13","slug":"top-10-worlds-most-dangerous-animals","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/top-10-worlds-most-dangerous-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10: World\u2019s most dangerous animals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Which animal kills the most humans per year? Spoiler: it’s not sharks. <\/p>

By Thomas Ling\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Here\u2019s a morbid question for you: which animals kill the most humans every year?<\/p>\n

Although Hollywood films suggest our greatest threats include sharks and rampaging apes, the deadliest creatures are often much smaller \u2013 and more likely to kill through disease rather than razor-sharp teeth.<\/p>\n

But which creature is Earth\u2019s number one killer? Find out the top 10 below.<\/p>\n

10. Lions<\/h2>\n
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(Kills 200 humans per year)<\/strong><\/p>\n

While you may have guessed that the king of the jungle \u2013 that doesn\u2019t live in the jungle \u2013 would be higher up on this list of the world\u2019s most dangerous animals, the lion is still a ferocious predator that you wouldn\u2019t want to mess with. Its <\/span>114dB roar<\/span><\/a> should be warning enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically attacking in the night using sharp claws to inflict deep wounds and with a bite that can crack bones and your skull, the lion is a fearsome beast. These big cats stalk their prey in small groups, surrounding the unlucky individual before lunging in for the kill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get too close to a pride and they could charge you, too. Especially during courtship or when with cubs. These majestic big cats attack out of hunger and to protect their young.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Hippos<\/h2>\n
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(Kills 500 humans a year)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hippopotamus could be seen as a surprise entry on this list due to being a herbivore, but thanks to its impressive set of chompers and aggressive nature it is one of the most dangerous animals on the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hippos use those long (up to half a metre) sharp canines for fighting and just one bite from the creature can cut a human body in half. Ouch. A hippopotamus bite comes with a force of 1,800 psi, nearly three times that of a lion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fiercely territorial, hippos can attack a human when one approaches its habitat and they are known to attack and tip over boats in defence, mistaking them for predators. The hippo has even <\/span>been known to eat its own kind<\/span><\/a> out of desperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Elephants<\/h2>\n
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(Kills 600 humans per year)<\/strong><\/p>\n

An <\/span>elephant who never forgets<\/span><\/a>\u2026 to kill!<\/span><\/p>\n

The mighty elephant is one of the world\u2019s most dangerous animals thanks to its sheer size and can attack humans in various ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elephants typically kill humans by trampling. As the African elephant can weigh up to eight tonnes (Asian up to five-and-a-half tonnes), the force of being knocked back and stomped on by one would easily be enough to kill.<\/span><\/p>\n

An elephant can also use its trunk to pick up and throw humans and smash them into the ground. It has been known, too, for elephants to gore people using their tusks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n