Nature’s most dangerous: 10 animals responsible for human deaths

Stay tuned as we list the deadliest animals, causing the most amount of human deaths.

Mosquitos

Mosquito-borne illnesses have had a widespread impact on human history, causing multiple deaths. (Source: Canva)

On average, mosquitos are responsible for causing between 725,000 and 1,000,000 deaths every year, making them the most deadly animal to human beings. They spread and carry contagious pathogens, causing issues such as malaria, typhoid, and dengue.

Mosquito-borne illnesses have had a widespread impact on human history, causing multiple deaths.

Freshwater snails 

Freshwater snails are to be blamed for 200,000 deaths a year. This is because they host parasitic flatworms, known as flukes. These flukes prey on snails and the human body, causing the deadly disease of schistosomiasis, also known as ‘snail fever’.

Saw-scaled viper

Snakes are responsible for an average of 1,38,000 deaths annually. However, the saw-scaled viper is ranked as the most deadly snake amongst all snakes.

The saw-scaled viper is an aggressive and venomous snake that is easily provoked. Found in many populated parts of the world, it is a snake to fear.

Assassin bugs 

Appropriately termed the assassin bugs, these small insects are responsible for causing the Chagas disease that claims 10,000 lives on average.

Found in the Central and South American region, they are also called the kissing bugs since they sting the victim on the face while they are asleep.

Scorpions

The most lethal scorpion is the Indian red scorpion. (Source: Canva)

Responsible for 2600 deaths annually, scorpions are feared to be one of the most deadly venomous predators. However, the most lethal scorpion is the Indian red scorpion.

Ascaris roundworms

This parasitic worm is responsible for 2500 deaths annually. They usually ingested in the form of their eggs in contaminated food or beverages.

Saltwater crocodile

The saltwater crocodile can grow up to 6 meters and weigh 1300 kgs, making it an apex predator. (Source: Canva)

This intimidating water-dweller is responsible for approximately 1000 deaths every year. The saltwater crocodile can grow up to 6 meters and weigh 1300 kgs, making it an apex predator.

Elephants

Even though we may view them as gentle giants, elephants are responsible for 500 deaths annually. These deaths can be attributed to habitat loss, encroached farmlands, and human-animal conflicts caused due to deforestation.

Hippopotamus

Unlike the viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng, the average hippo is feisty; drowning and killing approximately 500 people per year.

Box Jellyfish

Distinguished by their box-like bodies, these jellyfish produce venom through their tentacles. They are known for their toxic sting.

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