From all appearances, it’s easy to think that anteaters are cute, cuddly, harmless creatures. But are they really? Perhaps you’ve heard rumors that these animals have a violent side, so you’re wondering: just how dangerous are anteaters? Keep reading as we answer this question and more in this article.
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Are Anteaters Dangerous?
There are different types of anteaters, and most of them are under 30 inches long and weigh less than 30 pounds. These anteaters, known as tamanduas and silkies, typically aren’t seen as dangerous, though they all have sharp claws that could cause injuries if the animals felt threatened enough to use them.
Of all the anteater species, only the giant anteater is really considered dangerous. As the name suggests, this is the largest anteater species; it can grow up to six feet long and weigh nearly 100 pounds.
Though giant anteaters can be dangerous, they are not aggressive by nature; as long as you give them plenty of space and don’t make them feel threatened, they will leave you alone. That said, if a giant anteater feels threatened, whether by a human or a predator in the wild, it will react fearlessly and do whatever it takes to defend itself.
Check out the video below to learn more about anteaters and how they can pose a threat to anything that threatens them:
How Dangerous Are Anteaters?
Giant anteaters are generally docile creatures unless backed into a corner. They are not out looking for a fight and are generally not considered predators.
However, these anteaters have massive four-inch claws, four on each front foot, that are extremely sharp. These claws can do some serious damage if the anteater feels the need to use them in self-defense.
Anteaters are known for walking on their knuckles, protectively tucking in their claws to keep them from becoming dull. When they feel threatened, they will rear up on their back legs, using their tail as a third limb in a “tripod stance,” spreading their arms wide and bearing their sharp claws.
If the threat gets close enough, the anteater will swing its massive paws through the air, slashing the attacker with its claws. As you may imagine, four-inch claws can cut deep, gravely wounding the attacker and in some cases causing it to die from blood loss.
Thanks to its fearless ability to defend itself and wound other creatures, giant anteaters have few natural predators. Even the jaguar, one of the most feared animals in South America, tends to give anteaters space, only choosing to attack if it can sneak up on the anteater and kill it before it can react.
Do Anteaters Attack Humans?
Anteaters don’t typically attack humans; as noted, they are usually docile creatures not known for having an aggressive nature. However, there are exceptions to every rule, including this one.
Humans often hunt anteaters in the forests of Central and South America, and there have been reported instances of the hunted creatures turning on the hunters and fighting back. Humans have been injured and even killed by giant anteaters in defense mode.
As noted, an anteater’s most powerful weapon is its claws, and these claws have no trouble ripping through human flesh. Anyone who sustains lacerations from an anteater’s claws are at risk of significant and sometimes fatal blood loss, especially if the claws tear a major blood vessel.
Again though, anteaters are not naturally aggressive toward humans; they will only fight if they feel threatened. If you ever encounter a giant anteater, give it plenty of space and don’t make any sudden movements; most likely, it will leave you alone and run away toward safer territory.
How Do Anteaters Defend Themselves?
Both giant anteaters and tamanduas tend to strike the same pose when defending themselves; however, because they are much larger, giant anteaters tend to be much more successful at deterring predators than tamanduas are.
Both of these fearless creatures will rear up on their hind legs to face an incoming threat. For added stability, they place their strong tail on the ground, using it as a third limb in a position that is sometimes called the tripod stance.
Next, they spread their arms wide, almost looking as though they want to give you a hug; however, if you see an anteater in this stance, you won’t want to get any closer. Both giant anteaters and tamanduas have sharp claws and, while tamanduas most likely wouldn’t be able to kill you, their claws could still do some damage.
While in this fighting stance, anteaters will swing their paws toward the attacker, using their claws like knives to slice through anything in their path. Both types of anteaters, especially giant anteaters, have quick reflexes and are able to pack a lot of power behind each swing.
Again, if you ever get close to an anteater, especially a giant anteater, your best bet is to give it plenty of space. Remember, it is highly unlikely to attack unless it feels threatened; but once it decides to fight, it can be extremely dangerous.
Conclusion
Giant anteaters can be quite dangerous thanks to their long, sharp claws and willingness to fight if backed into a corner. Though they are generally mild-mannered creatures, these animals have earned the respect of jaguars, the apex predators in their environment, and have even been known to kill humans.
