There are plenty of animals in the world, many which are capable of killing a person. Out of all the known animals, which ones are responsible for the most human deaths per year? The animals on this list are cumulatively responsible for tens of thousands of deaths per year. It’s best to avoid them altogether if possible or take safety precautions if that’s not possible.
1. Snakes
Image: animaldanger.com
Death Toll: 50,000+ per year
Snakes top the list, which is hardly a surprise. What is surprising, however, is that they’re responsible for way more deaths than all the other animals on this list combined. The asian cobra kills the most due to an aggressive nature and lack of fear towards people. Between venomous and constricting snakes, they’re at no shortage of ways to kill.
2. Scorpions
Image: National Geographic
Death Toll: 5,000+ per year
Scorpions are responsible for a surprisingly high number of deaths per year. They’re responsible for so many deaths because they like to dwell near peoples homes, inside shoes and clothing. Be careful next time you’re getting dressed.
3. Crocodiles
Image: National Geographic
Death Toll: 2,000+ per year
Crocodiles are capable of taking down almost any prey they decide they’re in the mood to go after. Saltwater and Nile Crocs are the most dangerous due to how aggressive they are and a lack of fear.
4. Elephants
Image: animalia-life.com
Death Toll: 500+ per year
Elephants aren’t exactly docile, friendly creatures that just want to be petted, especially the younger males. Due to their massive size, don’t make one mad, a charging and ticked off elephant isn’t anything you want to encounter.
5. Hippos
Image: media.mnn.com
Death Toll: 300+ per year
Hippos look fairly harmless – until they open their mouth. These incredibly aggressive animal scare easily but won’t typically back down from a threat.
6. Cape Buffalo
Image: unhook.com
Death Toll: 200+ per year
Weighing in at 1500 lbs, lions rarely bother the cape buffalo, which should tell you something. These beasts typically travel in hearts and are known to gore or trample their victims.
7. Lions
Image: express.co.uk
Death Toll: 200+ per year
Excellent hunters, the lion is known for their strength and speed. Lions that go after humans are typically larger, older males who need easier prey due to decaying teeth.
8. Jellyfish
Image: newyorker.com
Death Toll: 100+ per year
Most jellyfish aren’t going to kill you by when they sting you (but it will be incredibly painful) but there is one big exception – the Box Jellyfish. The most toxic of all jellyfish, their sting easily kills humans and leads to paralysis that leads to drowning.
9. Sharks
Image: National Geographic
Death Toll: 10-25 per year
After seeing Jaws, you may be surprised sharks aren’t higher on the list. While they don’t kill as many people as others on the list, they’re certainly capable. With more frequent shark attacks here recently, they may be on their way to climbing the list.
10. Tigers
Image: acor.in
Like lions, tigers that go after humans are typically older and missing teeth. While a snuggle-toothed tiger may sound less intimidating to some, they’ll get the last laugh.
Death Toll: 5-15 per year
