You planned your trip carefully.
You bought maps, plane tickets, made a list of attractions, and even checked where to watch out for pickpockets. But among all these preparations, sometimes we forget to check what dangers nature might have in store.
The chance of encountering a lion or hippopotamus in the middle of a city may be low, but in many countries, wild animals pose a real threat especially for travelers in nature.
Which dangerous animal should you watch out for in each country? A representative guide.
Blue-Ringed Octopus
Size of a ping pong ball.
Breathing difficulties leading to death: Blue-ringed octopus, Japan and Australia
The Blue-Ringed Octopus is a very small octopus, about the size of a ping pong ball. But do not be deceived its venom is strong enough to kill a human. To be precise, it can kill exactly 26 people within minutes. Its bite is not painful, but within moments its effects on the muscles begin, leading to numbness and then breathing difficulties that ultimately result in death.
Where: Found on the coasts of Japan and southwestern Australia. Usually yellowish-brown in color, it only turns blue when it feels threatened. Because the octopus is relatively friendly and attacks only in rare cases, immediate treatment is usually not necessary.
Immediate treatment: There is currently no antidote against its venom, making it one of the most dangerous animals in the world. A solution for someone bitten is artificial respiration until the venom’s effect subsides. Quick access to a respirator is crucial.
Cobra
Mainly in South Asia
The venom of the cobra is not as toxic as the black mamba, another common venomous snake, but it has other advantages. For example, the king cobra can inject venom five times faster than the mamba. It is relatively common, mainly in South and Southeast Asia, often found in dense forests.
Where: South and Southeast Asia, particularly near lakes.
Immediate treatment: Immobilize the bitten area, try to photograph the snake, calm the person, and bring them to the hospital.
Preventive measures: In dangerous areas, wear high shoes, long pants, avoid putting hands under rocks, and of course, do not play with the snake if encountered.
Brazilian Wandering Spider
Prolonged erection and impotence
The Brazilian wandering spider, also called the banana spider because it sometimes hides in banana clusters, is one of the most venomous spiders in the world and causes a significant number of human deaths about 500 per year.
It is also highly dangerous because it often enters populated areas, clothing, homes, shoes, and cars. Its bite causes intense pain and can lead to prolonged erection that may result in impotence.
Where: Mainly Brazil, but also found in other South American countries.
Immediate treatment: If bitten, the victim should be quickly taken to medical care.
If possible, keep airways clear, provide oxygen, insert an IV, give fluids, and if possible, bring or describe the spider for proper treatment.
Box Jellyfish
Shock or cardiac arrest, Australia
One of the most dangerous animals in the world is the Box Jellyfish. With about 6,000 documented human stings since the 1950s, its venom attacks the heart and nervous system so fast that victims often cannot even reach shore.
Survivors experience prolonged pain for weeks.
Where: Found in Australia and some parts of Asia. The jellyfish has a cube-like structure.
Immediate treatment: Receive an antidote almost immediately; apply vinegar to neutralize its effects.
Preventive measures: Wear long pants when entering the water.
Deathstalker Scorpion
Paralysis and coma, Middle East and North Africa
The yellow scorpion, known as the deathstalker, can cause death. Its venom is a cocktail of neurotoxins that cause severe pain, fever, coma, convulsions, paralysis, and death. Healthy adults have a lower chance of dying.
Where: North Africa and the Middle East, usually found under stones or in cracks.
Immediate treatment: Calm the victim, immobilize the limb, and evacuate quickly to a hospital. Cooling the bite area with ice helps reduce pain and slow venom spread.
Hippopotamus
Vehicle protection does not help, Africa
Although usually herbivorous, hippos are very aggressive and among the most dangerous animals in Africa. They attack humans even without provocation. Being inside a vehicle may not protect you, as hippos can easily overturn it. Hippos can run up to 40 km/h. Attacks can crush or overturn boats, causing thousands of deaths each year.
Where: Sub-Saharan Africa, near water sources.
Preventive measures: In water, splash oars to move them. On land, check their locations and avoid blocking their path to water.
Mosquito
Deadliest, worldwide
Mosquitoes likely kill more humans than any other animal. They transmit diseases to around 700 million people and cause 2–3 million deaths annually. They spread malaria, West Nile virus, and other diseases.
Where: South America, Africa, and the Far East. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so populations are high near swamps, rivers, and coasts.
Preventive measures: Take malaria prevention medication, wear long sleeves, sleep with windows closed, and use personal mosquito repellents.