10 Animals with the most vicious bites – and how to survive them

There are few things worse than being bitten by an animal, but these animals have particularly dangerous bites that can cause injury, infections, and even death.

What’s more, not all animal bites are obvious, so recognizing the signs and knowing what to do immediately can mean the difference between life and death. Learn about five animals with the most vicious bites — and how to survive them!

If you’re hiking through the woods and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with an angry moose, bear, or whatever else might be out there, you’ll have to rely on your knowledge of the animal kingdom to ensure that you make it out of the encounter alive and unharmed.

This guide to surviving vicious animal bites lists the 5 most dangerous animals in the world and discusses how to protect yourself when one comes after you. You’ll even learn what to do if you don’t want to survive; we won’t judge.

Which Are The Most Dangerous Animals?

When you think of vicious animal bites, which creature comes to mind?

For many, a dog would be up there on their list. After all, who hasn’t been bitten by a seemingly tame pooch?

But dogs aren’t actually in charge of some of the worst bites out there. Snakes may not seem as cute or cuddly as a canine companion, but they’re definitely one of nature’s more dangerous animals—and they have particularly brutal bites.

In fact, depending on where you live, snake bites could be more common than dog bites! Even if you don’t live in an area known for dangerous snakes—such as South America or parts of Africa—these wild creatures are often found in unexpected places.

African Rock Python

The African rock python is Africa’s largest snake, growing up to 6.7 meters (22 feet) long. Although they usually eat small mammals, including monkeys, these large snakes can sometimes attack humans.

In 2013, an 11-year-old boy died after he was swallowed by a rock python in South Africa—the only known human death from a rock python bite.

Even if you’re lucky enough not to be bitten, though, it can still be scary: Bites cause deep wounds that can take months to heal properly (or at all).

The best way to avoid a rock python bite? Don’t approach one of these enormous snakes; instead, let it move away on its own.

Alligator Snapping turtle

In terms of bite force, they’re nothing compared to a T-Rex (the alligator snapping turtle has a maximum bite force of 200 pounds), but their size makes up for it.

They live in stagnant waters like swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, and canals that are home to fish — and they eat whatever is around.

That’s where their viciousness comes in: They can easily crush your fingers if you get too close. If you’re bitten by an alligator snapping turtle (which is unlikely considering their protected status) one should do everything possible not to let go of its neck.

The pain will subside after a few minutes but otherwise — unless you want your face ripped off — let go at your own risk.

King Cobra

While king cobras may not be known for having venom that’s more potent than other snake species, their fangs are so big that it only takes a few bites for an opponent to feel its effects. King cobras typically avoid humans, but there have been cases of people getting bitten by one.

Just look at those teeth! If you ever get into a confrontation with one of these snakes, experts recommend trying to avoid eye contact so they don’t think you’re challenging them, standing up very straight (as they tend to strike downward), remaining calm, and keeping your hands down so they don’t mistake them for another attacker.

Black Mamba

The black mamba is widely considered to be one of Africa’s deadliest snakes. The black mamba can move at a speed of up to 12 km/h (8 mph) over short distances, making it one of Earth’s fastest-moving creatures.

When hunting, a black mamba will try and strike its prey from about half a meter away, delivering enough venom in one bite for an adult human to die within 20 minutes.

Deadly as they are, though, there are even more aggressive creatures lurking on our planet. We round up some of nature’s most vicious bites…and show you how not to get bitten by them!

Saltwater Crocodile

The Saltwater Crocodile is one of nature’s fiercest predators. It isn’t afraid to eat almost anything, from giant elephants, hippos, crocs, and sharks to small mammals.

While it could chomp its way through anything that gets in its way, the Saltwater Crocodile also relies on a powerful bite when attacking prey.

The average adult animal can bite down with 7,000 pounds of force (3.2 megapascals), more than enough to crush a full-grown cow or horse in an instant.

Great White Shark Bites

When it comes to scary creatures, few have earned a reputation as fearsome as a great white shark.

With rows of razor-sharp teeth that are ideal for tearing into flesh, it’s easy to see why these ocean predators are considered some of the most dangerous on Earth.

The biggest threat they pose is their bite. With an average bite force of around 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi), great whites can crush bones easily within their jaws.

They can also generate up to 200 psi in a single jaw stroke—enough power that they can tear right through someone’s leg in seconds!

Box Jellyfish Bites

Box jellyfish have a reputation for having some of the most painful animal bites in all of nature. The pain from their sting is commonly compared to being shot or stabbed.

If you’re unlucky enough to get stung by one, don’t panic; in about 85% of cases, people who are stung will recover uneventfully over a period of several hours or days.

Bullet Ant Bites

The Bullet Ant, also known as the 24-hour ant or Hormiga Veinticuatro Horas (its scientific name), is an ant native to South America.

This insect is known for its aggressive sting, which has earned it a Guinness World Record for being considered one of the most painful stings in nature.

The pain from a Bullet Ant bite lasts for 24 hours… without any form of treatment, which makes it one of the toughest bites in existence.

Just thinking about it can make your skin crawl! If you ever encounter a bullet ant, keep in mind that they like hanging out under leaves and near logs so that they can dig easily into the ground when they attack their prey or a perceived threat.

Hippopotamus

Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal. When they aren’t eating grass or hanging out in rivers, they are territorial and violent. Hippos spend a lot of time on land, which is where you will find them at night.

They have extremely sharp teeth that can be up to 4 inches long; some males have even been known to bite off their own testicles (ouch!).

Hippos are extremely aggressive creatures who, when threatened, attack in groups. Often all it takes is being close enough for them to get a good grip and a good chomp. There have been more than 300 recorded deaths from hippo attacks since 1986.

Hyena

The hyena is widely believed to be one of nature’s meanest creatures, and while there are no known fatalities by a wild hyena bite, it would hardly come as a surprise. Their jaws can deliver 1,100 pounds of pressure per square inch (about three times what an adult human’s bites).

A hungry pack of hyenas could literally dismember you if they were so inclined. Fortunately for us humans, they tend to eat carrion instead. The lesson? If you see a group of these spotted hunters on your next safari trip, stay out of their way!

Jaguar

Aside from its beautiful coat, a jaguar is instantly recognizable by its very sharp set of teeth. Jaguars are ambush predators, which means they tend to hide out in wait for prey until it comes within reach.

That’s where those teeth come in handy. The bite of a jaguar can deliver more than 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch!

While humans rarely run into these wild cats, attacks are more common when jaguars are kept as pets or when wild ones become accustomed to humans due to proximity—or they feel threatened or provoked (jaguars will defend themselves against any potential threat). In either case, bites can be quite severe; medical attention is highly recommended.

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