Animal Danger

World's Most Poisonous Animals

Take a look at some of the most poisonous animals in the world and see why you wouldn't want a close encounter with either of them. Since there are many discrepancies with regard to which of these is the most poisonous animal, they are not ranked in any particular order. However, most people can agree that one small dose of poison from any of these animals is lethal enough to cause death in less than an hour.

1. Belcher Sea Snake (aka Faint-Banded Sea Snake)

The Faint-banded sea snake is the most poisonous of all the snakes in the world, and by some considered to be the most toxic animal in the world. This snake is typically found in the Indian Ocean, off the coasts of the Phillipines, New Guinea, and Thailand. The toxicity of this snake's poison is so potent that it can kill a person in less than 30 minutes. The good news about this snake is that it seems to be quite friendly and mild-tempered, and if it does decide to bite, studies show that only 25% of the time will it release its venom.

2. Poison Dart Frog

Of all the poisonous animals in the world, these are probably the easiest to spot due to their extremely bright colors, including yellow, blue, green, & red. These frogs don't actually inject their poison through their mouth; they do it through their skin. Even though the poison can't permeate the skin, you still would never want to pick one up or even think about eating one. Just 1 microgram of this frogs poison into your bloodsteam and you can start counting down your final minutes.

3. Inland Taipan Snake

With poison 50 times more toxic than that of a cobra and a bite with enough poison to kill more than 100 people, the Inland Taipan is one snake you definitely want to avoid. Luckily, there have been no recorded deaths due to this snake, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. This snake lives only in Australia and typically near bodies of water, such as rivers. The Inland Taipan is the most poisonous snake on land, and arguably the most poisonous animal in the world. Keep your distance.

4. Blue-Ringed Octopus

If you enjoy swimming in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Australia & Japan beware of the Blue-ringed Octopus, considered to be one of the world's most toxic animals. Quick as a shark and smaller than a tennis ball, you may not even be aware that you have been stung by this creature until you start feeling the effects, which include numbness, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. There are no cures or antidotes for this venom, so your only hope is pressure on the wound, coupled with rescue breathing.

5. Box Jellyfish

The Box Jellyfish is arguably the world's most toxic animal and is responsible for over 5,000 human casualties over the past 50 years. These pestilent creatures reside mainly in the waters near Australia, Japan, Hawaii, and the Phillipines. While a sting can be extremely painful, that should be the least of your worries as the toxins cause shock and heart failure, which either lead to death or drowning. The only real remedy is applying vinegar to the wound and removing any visible tentacles. Most attacks occur when the weather is warm and the ocean is calm, so beware.



Learn about some of the scariest animals in the world