11 Animals More Likely To Kill You Than Sharks

By Jaymi Heimbuch, TreeHugger

Sharks are kinda scary. In the water they’re faster than us, can appear from what seems like out of nowhere in an instant, and pack a pretty solid bite. It’s easy to get nervous when you’re in the dark ocean and unsure of who is swimming by with a toothy grin. But sharks aren’t the animals you should be most afraid of. Here are some that are much more likely to cause your demise.

(Bottom line: we love animals, but they all deserve their respect—and sometimes distance!)

Mosquitoes

655,000 people killed each year, primarily in Africa, through the little buggers spreading malaria left and right.

Hippos

2,900 people are killed by these mammals annually in Africa. That roly-poly exterior is just to lure you in.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kathy P.

1:03PM PDT on Oct 5, 2012

thanks!

October 5
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Melinda K.

5:47PM PDT on Oct 4, 2012

how about 11 humans holding weapons more likely to kill you than an animal?

October 4
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Mary D.

5:43PM PDT on Oct 4, 2012

I suspect that practically every other animal on the planet is more likely to kill people than sharks. Nevertheless good stats in this post.

Kim D.

8:16AM PDT on Oct 4, 2012

Very interesting article. But the biggest killer on the planet is man.

Nicole B.

3:08PM PDT on Oct 3, 2012

Donkeys didn't make the list? Donkeys kill more people annually, world wide, than plane crashes, about 8,237.

October 3
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Biby C.

8:40AM PDT on Aug 27, 2012

Very few species of sharks are aggressive. Most sharks will try to avoid humans because they don't see us as food. However, if you have a shark sandwiched between you and a reef or rock, it might just attack in self-defence! Give them some space and respect.

August 27
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Kathleen C.

4:32PM PDT on Aug 23, 2012

The information on the ants really surprised me. Thanks

August 23
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Heather M.

10:27PM PDT on Aug 22, 2012

Re the bees when they sting they die too apparently. And the biggest killer of all is Man. Also with some animals it would be more that they are reacting out of fear of us.