When we think of dangerous animals in the wild, some of the first creatures that come to mind are sharks, crocodiles, venomous snakes, and poisonous spiders. Surprisingly, the most deadly animal in the world is one of the smallest: the mosquito! These annoying insects transmit diseases such as malaria and Dengue fever and, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cause more than 700,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Beyond deadly insects, reptiles and fish, there are equally dangerous mammals of all sizes in the wilderness. While most of these animals avoid interactions with humans, some are known for being predatory and aggressive, especially if they are provoked or hungry. Many humans fail to understand that wild animals often behave unpredictably and deserve our respect by keeping our distance from their natural habitats.
Here are 15 dangerous wild — and domesticated — mammals that need cautious, gentle handling.
