Statista

Deadly Animals: A Ranking by Human Casualties

Quantifying the Grim Toll

When it comes to encounters with wildlife, some species pose a greater risk to humans than others. A new study has compiled a chilling list of the deadliest animals worldwide, ranking them by the number of human fatalities they cause. The results, published in the journal "Nature," provide a sobering reminder of the potential hazards lurking in the natural world.

From Killer Mosquitoes to Venomous Snakes

Topping the list are mosquitoes, those tiny bloodsuckers that are responsible for transmitting deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. With an estimated 725,000 human deaths annually, mosquitoes are the undisputed champions of animal lethality.

Snakes, with their venomous fangs, come in a close second. The study estimates that snakes kill around 58,000 people each year. The black mamba, a highly venomous African snake, is particularly notorious for its aggressive behavior and potent neurotoxins.

Other animals on the deadly list include: - Dogs (27,000 deaths per year) - Snails (20,000 deaths per year, due to parasitic diseases) - Tsetse flies (10,000 deaths per year, due to sleeping sickness) - Assassin bugs (9,000 deaths per year, due to Chagas disease) - Scorpions (5,000 deaths per year)

1