Avoid these Venomous Animals at All Costs

Home Biology Avoid these Venomous Animals at All Costs

Biology

By Joe Burgett - January 20, 2020

When you think about dangerous animals, everyone thinks of two different types. Often, we think about those bigger than we are or those that just happen to be of the bigger variety like bears. Meanwhile, the rest of us think about the most venomous animals on the planet. Most of those can kill us much faster than even some larger animals. We often overlook this, but it’s to our own peril. Funny enough, most of these venomous animals are actually pretty small. Others pack venom in them that we do not even realize. The worst of these animals may very well be those that have venom that does not kill but can mess people up. Sometimes just one bite can put you into pain that lasts for weeks to years.

Others pack so much venom that it causes an infection. This can be enough to make some arms and legs be removed to save the rest of the body. In some others, severe nerve damage comes into play as well as muscle and tendon damage. This can make arms, legs, or certain areas of the body almost obsolete. All of it can be caused by just one bite or sting. Some of these animals are unknown or we may see them all the time yet do not fear them enough. That will come to an end very soon, as you see what each of these animals can do. Not all of these animals will cause death in those that they attack, but they all will cause pain. Whether you’re trying to prevent pain, long-term damage to your body, or save your own life. Each of these venomous animals should be feared!

Avoid these Venomous Animals at All Costs — *Black Mamba. Photo Credit: Unsplash*

Black Mamba

Venom Type: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 1 Hour

The Kobe Bryant of snakes, the Black Mamba is notable for its aggression and the speed of its venom killing. They have now become the most feared snake in Africa, with most bites becoming fatal in humans. It seems local tribal people die the most from them, likely due to not getting medical attention in time.

Their venom is a vicious neurotoxin that can take 10 minutes or less to affect people. Even bigger adults see symptoms really quickly. This venom is very fatal and can kill humans in an hour, with many taking less than 30 minutes to do so. Even when antivenom is administered, some side effects can go on for months.

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Bullet Ant

Venom: Poneratoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Hours If Allergic, Death Unlikely If Not

Bullet Ants are notable for their vicious sting. While they are a species of ant, they come off more like wasps due to their stinger being present. This is not really common among most ants, which is why they stand out. Its sting is the highest rated on the notable Schmitt Pain Index, which has gained them worldwide recognition for having the most painful sting among insects in the world.

Outside of its sting, they also have sharp pinchers up front that make them a problem to mess with. While their sting does pack a punch venom-wise, it is typically not enough to kill most human beings. Although, it could kill anyone who happens to be allergic. Their sting contains Poneratoxin, which is a neurotoxic peptide. This can affect the central nervous system and might be very well why their sting hurts so much. The pain from one can last 24 to 36 hours!

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Komodo Dragon

Venom: Toxic Saliva (Likely A Form Of Hemotoxin)
Typical Kill Time: Several Days For Humans (Usually No Death Occurs)

Komodo Dragons are dangerous animals, capable of killing even a human being if a pack chose to do so. They are a type of monitor lizard, among the biggest lizards on the planet today. Most look like modern-day dinosaurs! They can grow up to 10 feet and weigh 150lbs too. Their bite itself, like crocodiles, is strong and capable of killing just about everything. However, their bite also comes with saliva that comes from two glands in their lower jaw.

This saliva is venomous as it contains toxin proteins. Most animals who do not die from the bite, usually die from the venom. The main thing this venom contains is an anticoagulant, making it hard to stop bleeding from their original bite. They do not tend to go after humans, but they might attack if you get around a lot of them. Usually, the highest population of Komodo Dragons will be located in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda, where they have been living for millions of years.

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Death Adder

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 3 to 6 Hours (depending on a person’s size)

The Death Adder is considered one of the most poisonous snakes pound-for-pound on the planet today. There are 9 different species of Death Adder as of the last count. All of them are incredibly venomous. Yet some say there are only 7, depending on who you ask. That said, the creatures can be found in both Australia & New Guinea.

They most resemble vipers but happen to be more closely related to cobras & coral snakes. It is clear that they are just as deadly. They inject 40 to 100mg of venom with their bite. It mostly uses a neurotoxin only but it is incredibly deadly. This will cause paralysis and eventually respiratory failure. Before its antivenom was introduced, Adder bites led to death at least 50% of the time. Now it is rare to see death from one unless you do not get treatment in at least 6 hours.

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Black Widow Spider

Venom: Latrotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Minutes To Hours (Allergic Reaction)

The Black Widow Spider gets its name from the fact that they kill their mates, which is terrifying alone. It’s often noted that you can see an hourglass of some type on one to know if they are venomous animals or not. We wouldn’t get too close to see, however. They have a venom known as Latrotoxin. The name comes from the scientific name for the Black Widow, the Latrodectus.

It’s a neurotoxin that typically kills certain animals within an hour or two. Despite being the most venomous spider in North America, their bite is rarely fatal to humans. Most bites from them are “dry” anyway. Although, deaths have happened mostly from allergic reactions.

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Blue Spotted Stingray

Venom: Cardiotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Hours (Rare)

Knowing a Blue Spotted Stingray is not exactly rocket science. You can see their blue spots without any real trouble. They do not hide in the sand like other stingrays. They have venomous spines and a sharp barbed tail they do not mind using.

While they do not often kill humans with their venom, it can harm us in other ways. Usually, it causes some muscle/ pain or weakness as well as nausea. It takes a few days to get out of your system but if you have one kidney or none at all, it may not filter well and an ER visit should be made. The real danger of a stingray is its barbed tail, as they can kill with it. We lost Steve Irwin this way, after all.

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Cane Toad

Venom: Bufotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Days (Rare)

Cane Toads happen to be some crazy venomous animals. Sorry ladies, your Prince is not coming when you kiss one of these. In fact, you’ll likely get an infection. However, Cane Toads pack some horrible Bufotoxin too. Those who eat Cane Toads will often experience severe side effects. This is why many animals leave them alone.

Their Bufotoxin is capable of causing some paralysis among humans as well as nausea, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, and even seizures. That can result in death for humans but it is quite rare. Touching them won’t hurt you unless you have open wounds on your hands, just be sure to wash your hands very well after.

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Duck-Billed Platypus

Venom: Nineteen Peptides. Enhanced By Non-Nitrogenous Components
Typical Kill Time: Hours to Days (Animals)

The Platypus is one of the few living mammals that produce venom. Their venom is injected into humans or animals via their spurs on their feet in what is essentially a stinging effect. This is present to push off any possible predators, especially those that can follow them in the water.

Though it won’t kill humans, their venom does cause some horrific pain. Humans affected by it claim that the spot of injection was swollen for a while, often needing prescription painkillers to bring down the pain. This is due to their venom having numerous peptides, enhanced by non-nitrogenous components. In animals, this causes coagulation and a severe lowering of blood pressure.

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Coastal Taipan Snake

Venom: Taicatoxin
Typical Kill Time: 30 Minutes to 2.5 Hours

The Coastal Taipan Snake is similar to the Inland Taipan, but the difference between the two would seem pretty obvious. One is more water-friendly and will be found near water areas, usually across Australia and the island of New Guinea. It is incredibly dangerous and is currently listed as the third-most venomous snake on the planet behind its cousin the Inland Taipan and Eastern Brown Snakes. Their average venom yield of 120mg but can get up to 400mg if they feel like it.

Their venom is known as Taicatoxin, an incredibly potent neurotoxin that stops blood from clotting and affects your nervous system. This will cause convulsions, paralysis, internal bleeding, and much worse. Death can happen quickly and currently, the untreated death bite death rate is 100% of all bitten, which is why antivenom is highly recommended. Before its antivenom was formed, nearly everyone died from their bite.

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Rough-Skinned Newt

Venom: Tetrodotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Hours (Animals)

Rough-Skinned Newts are surprisingly venomous animals that most do not find out about until they feel the effects of the toxin itself. The Newt excretes its venom from its skin as a protective measure. Known as Tetrodotoxin, this venom is from the Neurotoxin family.

The idea is that if a predator goes after it, they will hopefully begin to get sick and go numb or die completely. It seems in regions where this animal is located, predators are wary. As for humans, unless we eat the newt, we won’t experience any life-threatening issues. Only some problems will occur from skin contact unless you have an open wound.

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Maricopa Harvester Ants

Venom: Alkaloid, Terpene, Amino Acid, Peptide
Typical Kill Time: 5 Hours (Rare)

The Maricopa Harvester Ant happens to be one of the most venomous insects on the planet. It has been said that one of these ants packs enough venom to kill an ordinary lab mouse, which means it packs quite a punch for an insect. To cause any real harm in humans, you have to be bitten/stung by a lot of them, causing anaphylactic shock.

Apparently, the Alkaloid in their venom signals other ants, resulting in a gang showing up to sting/bite more. Thus, you need to get away quickly once one ant makes contact. It takes around 4 hours for a reaction to occur in humans from one bite/sting. Yet allergic reactions to numerous attacking can come relatively quickly.

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Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 2 Hours

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the most dangerous snakes on the planet. While every snake bite can be painful, it seems this snake wants to go down with the absolute worst. Of course, the real danger this snake provides is its venom, a highly effective Hemotoxin that can kill humans in mere hours.

This is extremely dangerous as it kills red blood cells and causes some major tissue damage. The biggest thing to worry about with this toxin is that it can affect breathing and movement of blood to and from the heart. Along with this is the fact that you’ll have trouble clotting, causing humans to bleed out.

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Brazilian-Wandering Spider

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within An Hour (Animals)

Some medical professionals feel that the Brazilian-Wandering Spider may hold the cure to erectile dysfunction. Why? Their venom compound known as Tx2-6 has a weird side effect. For men, the venom gives a very painful erection that lasts for several hours. Thus, pharmaceutical companies are trying to use it in a controlled way for a new medication.

When you’re bitten by one, humans immediately have horrible pain from the bite that will kill other animals. Their venom is a version of a neurotoxin but one that is often not often lethal to humans. It affects blood and its movement throughout the body. This can cause nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing, etc. On top of this will be terrible pain that’ll last in some for several weeks.

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Striped Eel Catfish

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 5 Hours (Rare)

Most do not ever consider Catfish when it comes to venomous animals. However, there are several that pack some venom in them that act as self-defense. However, none are more notable for this than the Striped Eel Catfish. These catfish have near-razor sharp dorsal fins and pectoral fins, both possessing venom.

This is often delivered into the human or sea creature when opened up by the fin. The venom is even strong enough to kill humans, though rare to see. Usually, people are cut open and seek help immediately. Therefore, humans just do not die very often. However, it can still cause infections and severe pain for weeks.

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Scolopendra Subspinipes

Venom: Serotonin, Histamine, & Toxin-S
Typical Kill Time: Few Hours To Several Days (if allergic)

The Scolopendra Subspinipes is an incredibly large species of centipede. While it would be appropriate to put all centipedes here, it appears that this is the most venomous of the entire centipede family. They can be found in almost every land area on the planet, including the United States, all across Asia, and Australia.

However, they are not native to colder environments, such as upper Canada and both Arctic areas. Their venom is enough to kill a person, but the last recorded death involved a 7-year-old child. Like other deaths from this centipede, most feel that an allergic reaction was the main cause. Their venom has a variety of toxins in it such as serotonin, histamine, and toxin-S.

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Common Krait

Venom: Powerful Neurotoxins
Typical Kill Time: Within 24 Hours

The Common Krait snake is one of the most dangerous and venomous animals on the planet today. Many people who are bitten by this snake don’t experience much pain from it. This gives people false assurance, assuming they’re perfectly fine. In reality, they’re about to feel the effects of the bite very soon.

The bite sends powerful neurotoxins into the bloodstream that will cause muscle paralysis. If this goes on too long, even in those who survive and get antivenom, some of the paralysis can be permanent. Yet what kills people most from the bite is respiratory failure.

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Mexican Beaded Lizard

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 2 Days

The Mexican Beaded Lizard is one of the two most venomous lizards on the planet today. Their venom is a relatively weak hemotoxin, contained in their salivary glands. Thus, in order to be affected by the venom, they often need to bit you first. Saliva will then attach itself to poison you.

Most animals that are bitten by one end up dying from the bite experience, but the venom affects those that might escape their grasp too. Humans typically do not die from their venom, but it certainly can happen. Their Hemotoxin affects a human’s respiratory system, so any death will come from this. Most get medical attention within the same day as being bitten and turn out fine.

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Stonefish

Venom: Verrucotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Couple Hours

Stonefish are abnormally deadly creatures. Most do not look like they could hurt humans. However, quite a number of them are venomous and certainly can do some damage. Certain Stonefish rank as the most venomous fish species on the planet. Stonefish don’t really target humans. They use venom mostly for protection, so they only hurt those that come too close.

Whether that is grabbing or stepping on them, they’ll react. Their venom is known as Verrucotoxin and only produced by these types of fish. Acting similar to a Neurotoxin, it can cause paralysis, trouble breathing, etc. It can even kill humans if they do not get help in time.

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Coral Snake

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: A Few Hours

Coral Snakes are some of the most dangerous snakes on the planet, and they are often mistaken for other species like the Milk Snake, Pipe Snake, or King Snake. There are easy ways to know the difference between the two (their color and pattern), but you do not want to get close enough to either one to find out. There are at least 16 Coral species still slithering on Earth today. They can be found all over North America, mostly in the Southern United States.

They are incredibly deadly and have venom nearly equal to the King Cobra. It is among the most potent snake venoms in North America. Coral Snakes are relatively recluse animals, so it is rare to see them attack humans. This is why so few deaths happen as a result. Yet when bitten, you’re hit with a deadly neurotoxin that could kill within hours. There is also a major antivenom issue right now, making a bite from one even riskier to take.

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Funnel-Web Spider

Venom: Delta-Atracotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within An Hour

Officially known as the Australian Funnel Web Spider, this little beast ranks as one of the most venomous animals on the planet to humans. What makes it even worse is that their venom, often referred to as δ-atracotoxin, is an ion-channel inhibitor. This is a type of Neurotoxin. Yet while it can kill humans and other primates, it does not affect other mammals.

The venom itself affects the nervous system. Typically, this specific spider bites around 30 to 40 people per year but so far, only around 12 to 14 people have died from it. In fact, the Guinness World Record people have ranked it the most venomous spider on the planet. People can die from their bite as quickly as 15 minutes!

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Squalidae (Dogfish Shark)

Venom: Mild Toxin (not well understood)
Typical Kill Time: Death Unlikely Among Humans

The Squalidae, better known to many as the Dogfish Shark, is the only venomous shark in the world today. A smaller shark, they have two smooth but sharp dorsal fins but no anal fin. They have slender bodies as well as a pointed snout. All of which makes them stand out in the shark community over others. Males reach up to 39 inches while females reach up to 49 inches.

They often run in packs, which is how they got their name. A fisherman once saw them chase down smaller fish in a “dog-like pack.” They are also the most well-traveled shark species, allowing them to be in oceans just about everywhere. One Dogfish Shark was recorded to have traveled 5,000 miles on its own. Their dorsal fins are mildly venomous, but it is rare humans will be hit by one. Like most sharks, they use their jaws and teeth to attack prey.

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Dubois Sea Snake

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 15 hours

Described as one of the top three most venomous snakes on the planet, the Dubois Sea Snake is extremely dangerous. Due to being mostly in the water, people tend to run into them in the most surprising periods. If you startle the snake and the snake bites, it makes sense why. Funny enough, many of the bites from them are dry and don’t inject venom.

They tend to hang out in the coral reef areas, so if you’re careful here, you’ll likely avoid them. Their venom is a neurotoxin. It can cause paralysis, kidney failure, respiratory issues, muscle damage, etc. However, the symptoms seem to begin 4 to 8 hours after being bitten. Therefore, if you get treatment before 10 hours or so, you’ll likely be able to survive.

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Indian Red Scorpion

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 24 Hours (Children)

Indian Red Scorpions are pretty venomous. This scorpion is notable due to how many people it tends to attack per year. Obviously, they’re in India as well as Nepal. They tend to be all over the place and thus humans come across them consistently. The most common of these are actually children. These kids either die or have severe effects from the experience.

Their venom is a potent neurotoxin, but it’s spiced up with a mix of salts, peptides, and proteins. Not only does this sting hurt extremely bad but the venom travels faster through a child’s body than an adult’s. Thus, side effects come quicker. If they get to a hospital quickly, humans likely won’t have any issues. They’ll likely still have pain at the spot of the sting for a few days, however.

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Hawksbill Sea Turtles

Venom: Marine Biotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Hours

One would assume that a turtle, more than any other animal, would not be poisonous. Yet the Hawksbill Sea Turtle happens to be among the most venomous animals on the planet. This turtle happens to be biofluorescent, in that it absorbs light from living organisms. It is the first known reptile to be capable of this.

They are venomous only on their flesh, mostly from eating other venomous cnidarians. This can include things like coral as well as jellyfish. People do not find out about the venomous nature of this turtle until they attempt to eat it. In 2010, a story came out about how 6 people died and 90 more got seriously ill from eating the Hawksbill. Among those dead were 4 children. Essentially, it poisons through chelonitoxism from the turtle’s marine biotoxin.

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King Brown Snake

Venom: Neurotoxin, Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Days

Typically found in Australia, the King Brown Snake is known to be HIGHLY venomous. They can get up to 11-feet long but they’re notable for their appearance. The dorsal scales are two-toned, giving it a patterned appearance. Their overall appearance allows them to hide in the sands of the Outback and strike on unsuspecting prey.

Their venom is not as potent as some of the other snakes in Australia. Yet severe side effects can happen. The main thing to worry about is paralysis, along with muscle damage. One will also not be able to clot their blood for a while, which will then be accompanied by extreme pain, swelling, and potentially necrosis. There is an antivenom for it, but if nothing is done one could still live. In fact, the last death from one was recorded in 1969!

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Spanish Fly

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Days

Not just a pro-wrestling move, the Spanish Fly is incredibly notable for one reason, it can cause some extreme damage. You should also know the Spanish Fly isn’t a “fly” at all. It’s actually a species of Beetle. The beetle’s venom can, in men, cause involuntary and painful erections. In all bitten, the venom will always cause festering blisters.

Some even get it in their eyes, which causes complete blindness. Just 30 milligrams is enough to kill a full-grown adult. Yet only one gram can cause symptoms in up to 5,000 people! It can cause kidney failure, heart issues, and overall nervous system disorders. If one were to ingest its venom, it’s sure death in a matter of hours.

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Portuguese Man O’ War

Venom: Version Of Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within Minutes From Shock, Otherwise Death Unlikely

The Portuguese Man O’ War is one of the most unique animals you’ll ever see. It looks a lot like a jellyfish but they’re not. It’s almost completely transparent, with long tentacles. Each has venomous microscopic nematocysts that deliver painful stings that can kill fish and even humans. It’s actually part of the unique Zooid Family. This is a species that is part of a single colony.

These multicellular beings typically attach to one another to form one individual being and cannot survive independently from each other. This particular creature stings roughly 10,000 Australians per year. One sting is usually not enough to kill humans but due to some paralysis caused, a human can die from drowning along with anaphylactic shock if they are allergic. They are constantly washing ashore where people can be harmed by them. It is recommended to steer clear as much as possible.

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Hooded Pitohui

Venom: Batrochotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 10 to 24 hours

The Hooded Pitohui is an incredibly beautiful bird, but it’s not one you want to touch. On its body, it is covered in venom known as Batrochotoxin. This is a type of neurotoxin. When exposed to this, most people do not feel symptoms right away. It takes time, but usually, nausea comes first then several neurological issues.

It slowly starts paralysis and eventually will affect the muscles. From here, both the heart and respiratory systems are next to be impacted. While most get help before death takes them to the great beyond, several still suffer from paralysis problems. Therefore, getting help as soon as possible is the best thing one can do.

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Russell’s Viper

Venom: Hemotoxin, Neurotoxin, Myotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 10 to 15 Hours

Russell’s Vipers are some of the deadliest snakes on the planet. The reason they are so feared is usually their temperament. They are aggressive animals, often found in very populated areas throughout India. This results in the snake ranking among the top in snakebites per year.

Their venom is quite powerful and capable of causing severe kidney failure. On top of this, the venom operates by super-clotting your blood via disseminated intravascular coagulation. This could kill an average human in less than a day, with around 10 to 15 hours being the death window. Even with fast treatment, necrosis is a common side effect of the bite. This on top of pain for up to a month!

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Brown Recluse

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Days (Rare)

The Brown Recluse Spider is a very venomous creature that has been known to often kill just about any insect or animal it feels like. Usually, their bites only make humans very sick. The people most at risk are the elderly, very young, or those with bad immune systems.

Most of the time, their bite isn’t very painful. It also takes at least 12 hours before people show symptoms of the venom affecting their body. Their Hemotoxin typically will only affect the bite area the most. The rest of this is venom spread in the blood that will cause nausea and some respiratory issues. Overall, if you get medical help right away once bitten you shouldn’t experience any major issues.

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Gila Monster

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Days (Rare)

Gila Monsters are the other most poisonous lizard species on the planet. They were often used in Pioneer days for various reasons, on top of food. However, while they rarely kill humans, Gila Monsters are territorial and will bite them. Most feel you’re more likely to die from an infection due to the bite than their actual venom.

Deaths from the Gila Monster have not been present since at least 1939. Those previously who died usually were young children or those who died from “the treatment” of the Gila Monster bite, funny enough. The venom is a version of a hemotoxin that can make humans pretty sick yet can kill other animals.

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Boomslang

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 24 Hours

The Boomslang ranks as one of the most dangerous snakes on the planet often due to where they are located. Mostly found in Africa, they’re usually in trees. While being nearly camouflaged in the green, they’ll launch out at creatures or humans in their personal bubble.

These venomous animals have a deadly Hemotoxin that can kill adult humans in 24 hours or less. Usually, those who die from the bite are those far from a medical facility. The only major Hospital in Africa near or among where Boomslangs tend to be is in Johannesburg, South Africa. Thus, some do not make it and die a slow and agonizing death.

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Comb Stars

Venom: Tetrodotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 24 Hours

You thought Patrick Star was some lovable starfish, didn’t you? Oh no, he’s a cold-blooded killer. We’re going overboard there, but the Comb Star is one of the deadliest animals on the planet. Their venom, known as tetrodotoxin, packs enough power in one gram to kill over 500 lab mice. It’s obviously very deadly to humans as well.

There is no known cure or antivenom for Tetrodotoxin, so all medical professionals can do is treat the symptoms. It is rare for a comb star to attack a human and there are no known deaths to mankind via Comb Star. However, humans are quite aware of the Tetrodotoxin venom in other animals.

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Striated Surgeonfish

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Within 24 Hours

Knowing there is some toxicity to certain venomous animals, one would assume that you’d eat it cooked rather than in sushi form. Yet that is not the case for many, such as those who die from Striated Surgeonfish. Their flesh contains a potent neurotoxin that, if ingested, cause people to get sick.

However, what is worse is that it has killed humans who have eaten it rather than just affect them similar to food poisoning. Yet the surgeonfish will cause neurological issues such as paralysis and respiratory failure, along with food poison feeling. Fun, right?

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Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Venom: Several Neurotoxins, 2 Isotoxins
Typical Kill Time: 24 Hours

The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake may very well be the most dangerous sea snake of them all. It packs several different neurotoxins as well as 2 Isotoxins. An Isotoxin is a venom that hurts animals of the same species. Meaning this snake can kill other sea snakes, especially its own species, with its poison.

Like the Dubois Sea Snake, humans typically do not die from this snake. Whether it is due to dry bites or immediate medical attention being sought after the bite, human death tolls are low. However, they will still cause numerous issues that might be present for a while.

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Flamboyant Cuttlefish

Venom: Likely Tetrodotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 24 Hours

The Flamboyant Cuttlefish may not come off as one of the most venomous animals on Earth but it surely is. In spite of never technically attacking humans, it could come in contact with them if eaten. They are not considered to be a highly sought-after sea creature to eat, however. Thus, humans rarely have ever come into problems.

Yet other animals seem to die from their attempt to eat one consistently. Upon being bitten into, the venom released from their muscles kills animals easily. It is believed to be a Tetrodotoxin, a very potent neurotoxin. This will paralyze the animal attacker, and will then essentially suffocate to death.

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Asian Giant Hornet

Venom: Cytolytic Peptide, Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 4 to 10 hours

The Asian Giant Hornet is as dangerous as they come, as it possesses a strong venom that can kill humans. It contains a powerful peptide toxin like many wasps or hornets. Yet this is accompanied by a strong Neurotoxin as well. Upon being stung, almost immediately, a person will hemorrhage and deal with necrosis.

The venom will then start to affect a person’s red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Like many Neurotoxins, left untreated, the venom will eventually begin to cause breathing issues and even some kidney failure. Yet most deaths from it tend to happen by anaphylactic shock.

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Xibalbanus Tulumensis

Venom: 32 Venom Proteins & Assumed Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Unknown

Also known as the “Cave Swimmer, the Xibalbanus tulumensis might not look deadly but appearances do not do this species justice. The species is fully hermaphrodite, allowing them to mate amongst each other no matter what. They are part of the crustacean family but they are as dangerous as a venomous snake. In fact, the venom in this species is equal to that of a rattlesnake.

They will open prey up via their sharp need-like claws and deliver venom into them from its poison gland. People rarely come across them as they are found in caves along the Yucatán Peninsula & Caribbean Sea. Due to where they live, the species is actually completely blind too. Being in dark caves has allowed them to evolve beyond the need for eyesight. Rather, they are able to focus on their other senses. With venom this powerful, we can “see” why.

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King Cobra

Venom: Cytotoxin, Neurotoxin, Three-Finger Toxin, Cardiotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 8 to 12 Hours

Funny enough, despite being the King of them, this particular animal is technically not a cobra at all. They have their own species line called the Ophiophagus. Due to being the only member of the family, they’re still called cobras a lot. Obviously, King Cobras are well known for being some of the most venomous animals on the planet.

Their bite is very deadly due to possessing so much venom types. Even if you can treat one, you may die from another. Some of these toxins attack faster than others too. In India alone, King Cobras bite people often and are responsible for hundreds of deaths annually there. Worldwide, they’re responsible for thousands.

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Lionfish

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 1 Hour to Several Days

If you’ve never seen a Lionfish before today, you’re welcome for the nightmares. They may not seem this way, but Lionfish are one of the most venomous animals on the planet. They use a neurotoxin that affects humans very negatively.

Usually, healthy people do not die from Lionfish venom. If you have a weak immune system, kidney troubles, or lung issues – chances are, you’re going to need a medical professional very soon. The most common way humans die from an issue with Lionfish venom is by anaphylactic shock or respiratory failure. This is why a trip to the ER is recommended heavily regardless.

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Poison Dart Frog

Venom: Lipophilic Alkaloid Toxins
Typical Kill Time: Hours To Days (Rare)

Poison Dart Frogs are quite well-known these days but they tend to only be native to South America, mostly the Amazon Rainforest. Of course, humans from tribes in the region have used them for poison darts for centuries. Usually, these darts are reserved for hunting animals but they may be used on humans in strict cases.

The venom itself in small doses won’t usually kill humans. Yet too much of it will. The Golden Dart Frog alone has enough venom packed in it to kill 10 people. In humans, it uses causes partial paralysis that will go away after a while. Too much of it can cause respiratory complications, anaphylactic shock, and permanent paralysis, however.

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Eastern Brown Snake

Venom: Neurotoxin, Hemotoxin, Myotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 5 Minutes To An Hour

The second most venomous snake in the world, responsible for 60% of snakebite deaths in Australia, is the Eastern Brown Snake. They tend to hide in darker areas or in the dirt. That makes them hard to see, allowing them to strike before people know what happened. Their venom tends to cause clotting to stop completely, resulting in a bleed out.

Cardiovascular trouble and cardiac arrest are prime concerns too. This snake’s venom contains Hemotoxin, Myotoxin, and Neurotoxin. All of which are deadly. Depending on the severity of the bite, people can experience symptoms and die 5 to 30 minutes later. Everyone has death possible in 1 hour without treatment.

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Cone Snail

Venom: Conotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Few Hours

Cone Snails are severely venomous animals to worry about. Cone Snails look a lot like shells, so shell collectors see them and think nothing of it. Soon, a venomous barb sticks them with their notable Conotoxin. This is a version of Neurotoxin and can only be found within Cone Snails.

It can put someone into a paralysis point, rendering them unable to move. It attacks both the muscles and nerves, resulting in immobility. This is also accompanied by respiratory issues, including an inability to speak in many. It can kill humans within just a few hours. Even when helped by medical professionals, you may have symptoms that could last days to weeks.

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Deathstalker Scorpion

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 10 Hours To 2 Days (Rare)

The Deathstalker Scorpion is said to have the single most painful sting in the world. This is saying a lot, especially with some venomous animals on this list. They typically hang out in deserts, which is likely why they tend to sting people out of nowhere. They’re typically yellow and blend in well.

Their stinger will hit you with some neurotoxin, which can ultimately cause some partial paralysis at the site of the sting. This can include necrosis if you wait too long to be checked. Death is very rare in humans, as it takes a while for the venom to really move into the bad stage. Yet infections are very common, with pain lasting in some for weeks to months.

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Inland Taipan Snake

Venom: Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 5 To 45 Minutes

It is widely well-known that the Inland Taipan Snake is one of the most venomous animals on Earth. On top of that, it’s also the most venomous snake known to mankind too. Their venom is not much better than others, it’s just incredibly potent. This is why their kill time period is the lowest among all other snakes.

Their specialized neurotoxin will cause muscle and nerve damage, moving fast through the blood. It goes through the heart and moves through the rest of the body quickly, including the brain. Death time is 45 minutes AT BEST. However, many die in 5 to 30 minutes. It truly depends on the size, age, and health of the person.

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Blue-Ringed Octopus

Venom: Tetrodotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Less Than 10 Hours

A Blue-Ringed Octopus looks absolutely beautiful. However, as one of the most venomous animals in the world, they should be always beloved from afar. They have a very potent venom known as Tetrodotoxin. It seems the Octopus packs enough to kill pretty much anything that gets close.

However, this Octopus rarely kills humans. The reason is their typical location, the deep deep sea. Anytime a human ventures down enough to see one, they are usually in a specialized deep-sea submarine or equipment. As a result, death by Blue-Ringed Octopus isn’t common. Their deadly toxin could kill humans in mere hours though.

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Lonomia

Venom: Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: Less Than 15 Hours

Known as the “Assassin Caterpillar,” the Lonomia is incredibly deadly. They tend to hide out in full greenery. Since they’re mostly located near the Amazon, this is pretty much everywhere. For centuries, people never seemed to have an issue with them. All of a sudden, over 200 people died from run-ins with one of these venomous animals in one year. Then hundreds more since!

Most of these people were locals to the area or tribal people. Lonomias are easy to step or sit on, as well as grab onto accidentally. One barb can affect you, but since people hit numerous at once, their venom hits hard. A deadly Hemotoxin, the venom attacks the human body viciously. Death is possible in less than 15 hours without treatment.

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Box Jellyfish

Venom: Neurotoxin (Jellyfish Venom)
Typical Kill Time: Few Minutes To Few Hours

Box Jellyfish account for more than 50 human deaths annually. However, due to knowledge of them, they more often injure than kill. As of now, box jellyfish are responsible for more serious injuries annually than sharks, sea snakes, and stingrays combined! This is mostly due to their venomous tentacles, making them one of the most venomous animals on the planet.

Their “Jellyfish Venom” is actually a mix of some powerful and potent neurotoxins. It causes heart problems, breathing issues, necrosis, severe pain, paralysis, etc. Depending on the number of stings and severity, people can die in a few minutes to a few hours.

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Saw-Scaled Viper

Venom: Cytotoxin, Cardiotoxin, Hemotoxin, and Neurotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 10 Minutes To 2 Hours

The Saw-Scaled Viper is considered to be the most dangerous snake on the planet. Yet it’s not the most venomous! Their claim to fame, however, is being responsible for more bites and annual deaths than any other snake. This is mostly due to their aggressive nature. They also find themselves in weird areas among humans.

People just happen across them and they strike. Their venom is a mix of Cytotoxins, Cardiotoxins, Hemotoxins, and Neurotoxins. Due to so many different poisons, people die in numerous ways. The typical time of death differs from person to person, but few make it past 2 hours without antivenom.

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Honey Bees

Venom: Cytotoxin, Hemotoxin
Typical Kill Time: 10 Minutes To 72 Hours

It may be weird to think that Honey Bees are one of the most venomous animals on the planet, they actually are. Their venom accounts for more deaths per year than any other animal on this list. Usually, one sting will mostly come with some pain and maybe a fever, if that. Numerous stings, however, can kill just about any human.

More than anything else, their Apitoxin venom kills via anaphylactic shock. Several people are allergic to them, so the shock issue makes sense. Yet anyone can go into this type of shock if stung enough. Usually, 1,000 bee stings at once are the amount a healthy adult can take. Over 60 deaths per year happen from these killers too.

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