Humans Killed: 4 people (in total that have ever been recorded)
Where They Can Be Found: Komodo Island and Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia
Notable Features: Shark-like teeth, clawed feet, 10 feet in length
Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizards, growing 10-feet long and weighing about 150 pounds. In recent years, komodo dragons have become somewhat of a tourist attraction in Indonesia. Komodo National Park invites tourists to see this large lizard in its natural habitat. But these prehistoric monsters look as vicious as they are — komodo dragons have killed four people over the past 33 years. The last fatal attack occurred in 2009.
Komodo dragons have a powerful bite packed with venom that delivers toxins that inhibit blood clotting. Trauma from the bite, bacteria from the komodo dragon’s mouth and rapid blood loss contribute to their ability to kill prey (humans included).
Humans Killed: About 36 people (in total that have every been recorded)
Where They Can Be Found: Tropical, warm waters
Notable Features: A cone-shaped shell with blotchy orange coloring
The cone snail may look harmless, but it is a deadly marine mollusk to humans and fish. It has a fatal venom that’s not intended to harm humans, but when it does, it starts with paralysis, then induces a coma and eventually leads to death.
Deep-sea divers know of the hazards of an innocent-looking cone snail, as their habitats are the tropical and colorful waters of the Red Sea, Caribbean Sea and the Indian Ocean. The cone snail has killed about 36 people over the years.
Humans Killed Per Year: 0-1
Where They Can Be Found: Florida
Notable Features: A long body with thick scales and bony plates
Alligators look feisty, yes, but they don’t kill as many humans as you may think. While Florida averages about seven unprovoked alligator attacks per year, there have been only 25 fatal alligator attacks since 1948, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
If you see an alligator, don’t feed it. Not only is it illegal, but it teaches them to associate people with food. We don’t want that!
Humans Killed Per Year: 0-2
Where They Can Be Found: Africa
Notable Features: High-pitched laugh
No one wants to encounter a hyena, and they generally avoid humans. But in certain parts of Africa, hyenas have been known to attack villages.
Hyenas are scavengers known for their high-pitched laugh and dog-like features. They’re vicious mammals that invoke a mixture of fear and aversion in some folks (likely thanks to “The Lion King”)