6 Small but Deadly Predators

When we think of predators, we often imagine a huge animal with razor sharp teeth and a big scary mouth. However, predators in the animal kingdom come in all shapes and sizes. These animals are designed to survive and stand on top of their ecosystem. Below are 6 powerful but small predators found in the wild.

Praying Mantis

Aside from its ability to blend into the foliage and leaves around it, these alien-looking insects can ambush prey using long, sharp, and spiked forelegs. They aim for their victim’s neck region and bite on it to make them immobile. Praying mantises feed on other insects, as well as bigger animals like frogs, lizards, small birds, and even snakes.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

Who could even imagine that a creature that grows to around 5 to 8 inches could be one of the most poisonous animals on the planet? The blue-ringed octopus has venom that’s so poisonous,  it can kill a few humans with just one bite in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, they feed off shrimps and crabs and would rather run off instead of attacking humans.

Spider Wasp

Unlike bees that leave stingers on their victims, wasps actually bite them, meaning that they can attack again and again. Spider wasps are one of the biggest wasp species and have bites that can paralyze prey. These wasps hunts down large spiders, take them down, and then brings them to their nest. 

Candiru

Candirus are small bloodsuckers that transfer from one host to another, attaching itself to larger fishes. After it has feed off and killed its host, it moves to a new one. People who live near the Amazon River would often warn newbies and tourist about peeing in the water. These creatures have been known to swim into and lodge itself inside human orifices.

Jack Jumper Ants

A carnivorous and large ant specie, they have excellent eyesight which helps hunt their prey down. Lethal venom also comes from their bites which can result to painful stings. Humans that are allergic to this may end up experiencing anaphylactic shock.

Piranha

One of the most infamous carnivores fishes on the planet, Piranhas have small but very sharp teeth that can rip through flesh. They travel in schools and can take on prey much larger than they are, such as bigger fish, cattle, and horses. There have also been a few reports that these fishes have attacked humans.

read more "6 Small but Deadly Predators "

6 Cute Animals that are Actually Very Dangerous

You might think that some wild animals are cute and cuddly, but be warned. There is a reason why professional animal handlers ask you to keep your distance from wild animals and to just let them be. Some of them, no matter how cute they are, may actually be dangerous.
Below are some cute but possibly dangerous animals.

Slow Loris

Although it might look harmless, with its big eyes and soft fur, it’s actually one of the very few poisonous mammals. Slow lorises are actually quit subtle, making them common in the animal smuggling and illegal pet trade. What makes this animal dangerous is a clear toxin that it stores in its elbows. This toxin causes death via anaphylactic shock. When threatened, it mixes this toxin with its saliva. It would even lick its fur to prevent predators from attacking it.

Pufferfish

Pufferfishes get their cuteness when they fully expand and look like a swimming ball. However, these fishes are actually the second most poisonous vertebrates on earth. Fishermen use very thick gloves when handling them. They’re not supposed to be eaten, but certain areas in japan offer these as an exotic delicacy. Pufferfishes poison can cause suffocation by paralyzing the diaphragm, and it doesn’t have an antidote.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

Another creature from the sea, these tiny octopuses look lovely with their blue rings and are even kept by a few as exotic pets. However, these animals are known to be one of the most venomous creatures in the ocean. They live in the waters around Australia up to Japan. They do bite when they feel threated, and there is not anti-venom for their poison.

Cassowary

Native to New Guinea and Australia, these giant birds resemble a flamboyant ostrich because of its colors. Since these birds are extremely territorial, they can get aggressive when defending their territory. They have large claws that they use to thrust forward and disembowel their targets. People are warned to stay away from these animals for their own safety.

Big Cats

These cats may look like giant versions of lazy home cats, but keep in mind those they most likely look at you more as dinner especially when they’re hungry. In the Americas, mountain lions or pumas are known to have occasional threat to small children and hikers. When mishandled, big cats can really threaten lives, so don’t think that these animals would roll-over and play with you when you go near them.

Moose

Commonly used in cartoons as a funny and loveable character, moose are the most regularly encountered and dangerous animals. Although they do prefer to keep away from humans, encounters often have bad endings. When threatened or disturbed, they often respond with aggression and charging. In fact, moose actually have more attacks on people compared to bears in a year.

read more "6 Cute Animals that are Actually Very Dangerous"

Blue-ringed Octopus

read more "Blue-ringed Octopus"