5. Hippopotamus
These docile-looking water-going mammals are actually very vicious when provoked, marking territory or defending their young. Initially thought of as vegetarians, scientists were shocked to see them munch on meat when the situation was dire. They have also filmed a hippo eating crocodiles killed from territorial disputes and also another one feasting on an antelope stolen away from a crocodile. Hippos have huge incisors that can fatally gore other animals and humans. While they are bred for the water, they have no problems on land and have been known to run up to 30 miles per hour pursuing enemies, even outrunning humans. The biggest of them can grow up to weigh around three tons. In Africa it is estimated that some 2,900 people a year are killed by hippos.
4. Crocodiles
These beasts can grow up to terrifying lengths. The biggest living crocodile in captivity is an 18-footer in Australia, although the biggest ever caught was a 20-foot saltwater crocodile caught in the Philippines that died last February. What makes these things so dangerous? They are ambush masters in the water. A variety of colors lets them blend into their natural environment; they are able hold their breath for hours and swim silently underwater up to their unsuspecting prey. On land they may only be capable of sudden bursts of speed, but in the water they can move with lightning-quick reflexes and grab then drag prey under. An estimated 1,000 people are killed by crocodiles each year, most of them fishermen and people living beside huge rivers.
3. Scorpions
Scorpions are among the oldest creatures to ever live on earth. Thought by scientists to have evolved from sea-dwelling creatures that went on land, the scorpion has taken to land quite nicely, given that it has had millions of years to evolve and adapt. Today there are about between 1,300 to 2,000 different species of scorpions, but only 25 have a poison that is deadly to humans. However, not all scorpion stings are a guarantee of death. Some poisons just cause extreme discomfort and fever in the hardiest of humans, but others may experience paralysis, convulsions and cardiac arrest. Around 1,000 to 5,000 people are killed by scorpions every year.
2. Snakes
Snakes are blamed for an average of 50,000 kills a year around the world. While there are the occasional fatal bites on professional snake handlers, snake charmers and others involved in the herpetological business or studies, most deaths are from bites of snakes feeling threatened by human presence and activity. On top of the killer list is the Indian cobra. With many cities in India expanding into land that used to be jungles, snakes have been forced to deal with ever-encroaching human population and activity.
1. Mosquitoes
It is estimated that between 660,000 to 1,000,000 people each year are killed by the diseases mosquitoes carry. These diseases range from malaria to dengue and many are often fatal if not treated immediately. Mosquitoes are present in all countries in the world, they are even known to survive in harsh environments like volcanic craters and arctic regions. Mosquitoes have also been around for millions of years and are not going anywhere anytime soon.
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