Originally posted by Dawson
Are we looking for a creature that attacks humans on purpose, or simply what we think is the apex predator?
Good point. Some of the listed animals will only attack when threatened or trapped (most bears, snakes and spiders), while others may attack immediately (tigers, sharks, lions).
And the alpha predator on the list is not necessarily the most dangerous.
The great white is without any doubt the most effective and damaging killer on the list, but there are more people who have survived a shark-attack then people who have survived being bitten by a very venomous snake.
The chance of attack/survival ratio for each on the list by my knowledge (and I know a thing or 2 'bout animals).
Lion: likely to attack you when close, and when it does you're f#cked. Little to no chance of escape.
Tiger: see lion
Bear (polar bears, grizzly bears…) Omnivore, and mostly scavengers. Will attack when threatened or provoked. Can be tricked to stop the attack or even scared away. But if it wants you dead, you are.
Crocodile (or alligator): will attack you if you're acting like a dumbass. The crocs have a specific ambush strategy that is based on the natural behaviour of it's natural prey. When not close to the water where it lays, it will stay still. If one (large) gets you though, you will be ripped in 2 or drowned before you can say 'dude, where's my canoe?'
Piranha: as said, mostly goes for the smaller prey, but is triggered by blood. There is a chance you can get out of the water alive when they go for you, but panic probably will prevent that. Still one of the least dangerous.
Shark (Great White): has a very specific vision and taste of what to bite in, and humans usually don't fit those. Can attack when desperate, but is known to leave it at one bite. Might take you leg, but you may survive.
Then again, like bears, if it wants you there is no escape.
Venomous snake (cobra, viper, rattlesnake…): humans are not on the menu for these guys, they only attack when feeling endangered. You'll have to get in their face to provoke attack. Their venom is mostly meant for smaller animals so even when bitten you have a chance to live. Some of them however have such a strong venom or such a nasty way of delivering it (spitting cobra) that you'll be dead in minutes.
Constricting snake (python, anaconda…): only the real biggies can be dangerous, and then still need to be taunted. Has a good chance to kill you but leaves opportunity to be killed (if you're good, real good).
Spider (Black Widow, funnel-web spider...) Won't go at you unless you sit on one. Venom is suited for really small animals, but in some cases can kill you. Takes hours so you have a shot at getting medical attention.
Originally posted by ThePittman
Hands down it’s the Wolverine, not the character but the animal. It is the only animal known to kill for fun and not for food or training. Pound for pound the deadliest animal is the shrew.
cats kill for fun. dogs kill for fun. and i have seen killer whales killing seals for fun, as they throw them around but swim off once they are dead.