Most animals prefer to avoid or peacefully coexist with humans, but there are some predators that view us as prey. Would you like to learn more about these powerful creatures? Read on for our top 10 list of animals that prey on humans.
What You'll Learn Today
1. Alligator
Alligators are native to the southern U.S. and parts of China. These large reptiles have strong jaws filled with rows of sharp teeth that help them kill and eat a variety of prey animals.
Alligators don’t actively hunt humans, preferring prey that is smaller and easier to catch like fish, birds, and turtles. Though alligators have been known to attack humans and are capable of eating them, they only do so during food shortages or if they feel threatened.
It’s important to give alligators plenty of space if you encounter them in the wild, as their powerful bites can cause serious injuries even if they don’t kill you. Run in a straight line to get away from a charging alligator, and if you are caught, fight back by punching sensitive areas like the eyes and snout.
2. Crocodile
Crocodiles look similar to alligators but can be larger and often have more powerful bite forces. These large reptiles are found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Crocodiles can be highly aggressive toward humans and are suspected to have been responsible for more human deaths than any other predator. They have one of the strongest bite forces in the animal kingdom, and their large size, strength, and aggressive nature all combine to make them extremely dangerous.
Crocodiles often attack humans while they are swimming, bathing, or performing other tasks in or near bodies of water. It’s recommended to avoid bodies of water where crocodiles are prevalent and remain vigilant if you live or travel in parts of the world that have crocodiles.
3. Tiger
Tigers are large cats native to various parts of Asia and divided into as many as nine subspecies. Known for their orange coats and black stripes, these forceful felines are considered apex predators in their domains.
It is thought that tigers have killed more than 373,000 people in just over 200 years. One tiger in the early 1900s killed as many as 436 people, and more recently, a tiger in Maharashtra, India, was killed after hunting 13 people over a two-year period.
It is thought that habitat loss and food shortages are driving tigers into closer and closer contact with humans, leading to more and more attacks. Humans also provide a relatively easy meal for the big cats, making them common targets of old or sick tigers.
4. Lion
Lions are found throughout Africa as well as in parts of India. These large cats are apex predators capable of hunting prey that weighs up to 1,000 pounds.
Lions are less afraid of humans than tigers are, making them less reluctant to attack. It’s estimated that as many as 250 people worldwide are killed by lions each year.
Like tigers, lions are most likely to attack humans when they are old, sick, or injured. They are likely to become more aggressive toward humans as time goes on and human settlements encroach more and more on their natural habitats.
5. Komodo Dragon
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing as large as 10 feet long and 330 pounds. They are found exclusively on several Indonesian islands, including Komodo, for which they are named.
Komodo dragons are apex predators in their native habitats, often hunting deer and wild pigs. While they rarely eat humans, they are not afraid to attack them and may eat them if they are experiencing food shortages.
Komodo dragons have strong bite forces and inject venom into their prey to aid in killing it. This venom interferes with the victims’ blood-clotting abilities, as demonstrated in the video below:
6. Hyena
There are four hyena species, all of them found in Africa. These mammals don’t typically hunt humans, but they may do so if other sources of prey are not available.
Hyenas hunt together in packs, overwhelming their victims by outnumbering them. When they attack humans, they are most likely to hunt children, the elderly, or other vulnerable people; however, spotted hyenas are large enough to take down even healthy adults.
Hyenas are nocturnal animals, so they pose the greatest threat at night. Humans are encouraged to avoid areas with known hyena dens and use caution when outside after dark.
7. Bear
There are many species of bears found throughout much of the world. There are about 40 reported bear attacks each year, with polar bears being the most likely to prey on humans.
Bears usually attack out of fear or when protecting cubs; however, they may occasionally hunt humans for food as well. Large male polar bears are particularly likely to hunt solo or small groups of humans during food shortages.
Though bear attacks are relatively rare, starvation may cause certain populations to become more aggressive toward humans. People hiking or camping in areas known for having bears are encouraged to remain in groups and ensure they have proper safety equipment.
8. Leopard
Leopards are found in parts of Africa and Asia. They are large, powerful cats known as opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever they can hunt–including humans.
Leopards rarely target humans, but they may do so if their normal food sources are scarce. Once they have developed a taste for human flesh, they may continue to seek it out; one leopard in India was credited with eating more than 200 people in its lifetime.
Leopards typically hunt at night, making them a greater threat to humans who are out after dark. Habitat loss and human encroachment into leopard territories are thought to be increasing the risk of leopard attacks.
9. Mountain Lion
Mountain lions are large cats found throughout much of North and South America. They are also known as cougars, panthers, pumas, and catamounts.
Mountain lions live and hunt alone, preying on a variety of animals. Though they rarely hunt humans, attacks are occasionally reported, and they will eat humans if other sources of food are unavailable.
Mountain lions prefer to avoid humans, but habitat loss and fragmentation is driving them more and more into suburban areas. Humans are encouraged to give mountain lions plenty of space, hike in groups to avoid attacks, and make loud noise to scare the cats off if they do attack.
10. Piranha
Piranhas have a strong reputation for aggressively killing and eating anything that comes into their paths. These predatory fish are found in freshwater rivers throughout South America.
Piranhas rarely target humans, but they won’t hesitate to swarm and devour humans who are weak, injured, or thrashing around in the water. This is especially true when water levels are low and other sources of food are scarce.
Piranhas are known for their sharp teeth, which assist them in eating their prey. They mostly eat other fish, but they have a wide and varied diet that includes some plant materials, making them technically classified as omnivores.
Conclusion
There are various apex predators in the world that are capable of hunting and eating humans. These animals include crocodiles, lions, tigers, hyenas, and bears.
