Sharks and anacondas might be trending in Hollywood blockbusters as some of the most dangerous animals but they can’t hold a candle to most of the beasts on this list. When we take it down to the number of deaths caused by animals, most of the largest or scariest creatures may not make the list of deadliest animals in the world. The truth is that so many ferocious beasts abound – both small and large that are totally deadly, and you may find it difficult to believe the number of deaths that are caused by these creatures annually.
You are about to learn disturbing facts about the top deadliest animals in the world, depending on the number of deaths that occur from them annually.
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15. Sharks: 6 deaths per year
People tend to fear sharks because some movies like the classic film series known as Jaws portrays them as the deadliest animals. However, attacks from sharks are not common, the average annual death from sharks is pegged at six which was what was captured for 2015, there were just three deaths for the previous year.
Sharks may be big and scary but many things have to fall into place before it can unleash any harm. This is unlike some of the smaller animals on this list that have caused millions to die.
14. Wolves: 10 deaths per year
Wolf attacks may not be common, but enough of them occur to make the list of deadliest animals. Few deaths come from wolves, but with little thanks to the two decades when hundreds of people lost their lives in India because of wolf attacks, the average increased and is currently pegged at 10 deaths per year.
Granted, wolves are not the kind of animal you see all the time, in fact, many people will live out their days without seeing a wolf upfront. Nevertheless, they belong to the group of deadliest animals in the world you should look out for.
13. Lions: 22+ deaths per year
For the lions, it has always been hard to arrive at a definite number for annual deaths, but the estimates vary from one year to the next. According to a study in 2005, Tanzania alone recorded 563 human deaths from lion attacks since 1990; thus, they averaged 22 per year. Though other parts of Africa are likely to have recorded more deaths, there is no plausible record of the actual number worldwide.
12. Elephants: 500 deaths per year
Elephants also made the list of the deadliest animals as they have been found to be responsible for a good number of deaths yearly. Statistical reports from National Geographic article stated that elephants attack and kill 500 people yearly, but people have killed far more elephants than the other way around.
11. Hippopotamuses: 500 deaths per year
In Africa, hippos are rated among the deadliest animals. The large animals are often aggressive towards humans and with the aid of their colossal bulk (the hippos can weigh up to 9,000lbs), they can easily tip over boats. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth come in handy when they want to crush people to death. The number of deaths caused by these ferocious animals is estimated at 500.
10. Tapeworms: 700 deaths per year
On this list of deadliest animals in the world is one surprise addition, tapeworm. Tapeworm is a deadly parasite that is capable of burrowing into the gut of human beings and causing a severe infection known as cysticercosis. This infection affects the brain and other sensitive tissues in the body and can claim as many as 700 lives on an annual basis.
9. Crocodiles: 1,000 deaths per year
In the African continent, crocs are considered large wild animals responsible for a majority of human deaths; this report is from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. However, gathering a concrete number can be quite tricky as most deaths occur in remote areas and cannot be captured; though the best estimate is pegged at 1,000 annually.
Looking at its large mouth and strategically placed sharp teeth, it won’t be a surprise if thorough research would see the estimated deaths increase.
8. Ascaris roundworms: 4,500 deaths per year
The most common parasitic worms found in humans are Ascaris roundworms. These worms are responsible for the infection known as ascariasis which according to the estimation of a study made in 2013, kills 4,500 people annually. Reports from the WHO said that ascariasis infection targets the small intestine and can be quite fatal. It affects more children than adults.
7. Tsetse flies: 10,000 deaths per year
A bite from a tsetse fly causes a plethora of health issues from fever to headache, itchiness, and joint pain. These are the initial symptoms before it leads to neurological conditions which are usually serious. The infection is made possible through the transmission of a disease known as sleeping sickness. However, studies have revealed that the number of deaths from the fly is reducing to about10, 000 annually.
6. Assassin bugs: 12,000 deaths per year
Also known as the kissing bug, the assassin bug is listed among the deadliest animals in the world for a good reason. It is the vector for Chagas disease that leads to infection, as well as inflammation of human tissues, claiming around 12.000 human lives yearly. You only need to hear the name of the fly to know that it is deadly and the nickname kissing bug emanated from the fact that it bites people on their faces to suck out blood.
5. Freshwater snails: 20,000+ deaths per year
You may be wondering what snails are doing on this list but be rest assured that they didn’t get here by mistake. The freshwater snail is a carrier of the parasitic worm responsible for schistosomiasis disease. The cycle is complete when the parasite which is in larva form manages to penetrate the human skin when the victim comes into contact with water that is infested. Depending on the affected area, the symptoms can range from bloody urine or stool to abdominal pain.
Millions of people fall victim to the disease and reports from the WHO say that the number of deaths attributed to schistosomiasis can range from 20,000 to 200,000 annually. The disease is more common in Asia, Africa, and South America.
4. Dogs: 35,000 deaths per year
They are largely considered man’s best friend but the downside still abounds. Canines – specifically the ones that have rabies infection are among the deadliest animals you can find. However, it is possible to prevent the rabies virus through vaccination. Rabies has around 35,000 deaths attributed to it, and according to submissions from WHO, 99 percent of rabies infections come from dogs.
3. Snakes: 100,000 deaths per year
Snakes are believed to be responsible for about 100, 000 deaths among the human population annually. The situation seems to have worsened due to a shortage of antivenom on a global scale. Reports said that the number of deaths caused by snakes could actually be higher, but the countries that are home to the deadly reptile find it difficult to get hold of reliable data.
2. Humans: 437,000 deaths per year
Reports from the UN Office on Drug and Crime stated that around 437 homicides were committed in 2012. This data places humans in the 2nd position on the list of the deadliest animals in the world. Though we are quite close, humans are the worst enemy of themselves. Howbeit, it is very worrying that people are very likely to be murdered by those close to them.
Most of the deaths caused by humans are deliberate and such attempts as terrorist attacks claim lives in unimaginable numbers.
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1. Mosquitoes: 750,000 deaths per year
Mosquitoes are pesky bugs known for sucking blood and transmitting diseases. This bud takes the credit for the most animal-related deaths. Half of the deaths attributed to mosquitoes are a result of malaria. Though it is reducing, sub-Saharan Africa was the region dominated by mosquitoes. According to WHO, incidents of malaria dropped by 37 percent from 2000 to 2015.
Another mosquito-borne disease is dengue disease which is equally a leading cause of so many deaths and hospitalizations. Dengue fever is predominant among kids in Latin America and Asia. As tiny as it is, a mosquito can unleash so much pain with just a bite and it doesn’t stop there as the foregoing suggests.