Top 20 Most Dangerous Animals in the World and Their Potential to Harm Humans

1. Mosquitoes
2. Humans (in terms of violence towards other humans)
3. Saltwater crocodiles
4. Box jellyfish
5. African elephants
6. Cape buffaloes
7. Hippopotamuses
8. Cone snails
9. Blue-ringed octopuses
10. Poison dart frogs
11. Stonefish
12. Pufferfish
13. Komodo dragons
14. Tsetse flies
15. Africanized honey bees
16. Australian funnel-web spiders
17. Black mambas
18. Tiger sharks
19. Polar bears
20. Brown bears

Mosquitoes - While not typically thought of as dangerous, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths each year than any other animal due to the diseases they can transmit, such as malaria and dengue fever.

Humans - Unfortunately, humans are capable of causing a great deal of harm to each other through violence and warfare.

Saltwater crocodiles - These massive reptiles can grow up to 23 feet long and have extremely powerful jaws. They are known to attack and kill humans who venture too close to their territory.

Box jellyfish - These jellyfish are found in the waters around Australia and southeast Asia and are considered the most venomous creatures in the world. Their sting can cause heart failure and death within minutes.

African elephants - While generally peaceful animals, elephants can become aggressive if they feel threatened or provoked. They are responsible for a number of human deaths each year.

Cape buffaloes - These large, powerful animals are known for their unpredictable and sometimes aggressive behavior. They are responsible for killing more hunters in Africa than any other animal.

Hippopotamuses - Despite their seemingly gentle demeanor, hippos are actually quite dangerous and can be very aggressive, especially when protecting their young.

Cone snails - These small, beautifully patterned snails are highly venomous and can cause paralysis and death in humans.

Blue-ringed octopuses - These small, colorful octopuses are found in the waters around Australia and are highly venomous. Their sting can cause paralysis and respiratory failure in humans.

Poison dart frogs - These small, brightly colored frogs are found in Central and South America and secrete a potent toxin from their skin that can cause paralysis and death in humans.

Stonefish - These fish are found in the waters around Australia and are known for their highly venomous spines. Their sting can cause extreme pain, paralysis, and even death in humans.

Pufferfish - These fish are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, but their internal organs contain a highly toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death in humans if not prepared correctly.

Komodo dragons - These large lizards are found on a few islands in Indonesia and are known for their powerful bite and venomous saliva. While attacks on humans are rare, they have been known to occur.

Tsetse flies - These flies are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are known for transmitting the parasite that causes sleeping sickness in humans and animals.

Africanized honey bees - Also known as "killer bees," these bees are a hybrid of African and European honey bees and are highly aggressive when their hive is threatened.

Australian funnel-web spiders - These spiders are found in Australia and are highly venomous. Their bite can cause muscle spasms, respiratory failure, and death in humans.

Black mambas - These highly venomous snakes are found in parts of Africa and are known for their aggression and speed. Their venom can cause respiratory failure and death in humans.

Tiger sharks - These large sharks are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are responsible for a number of shark attacks on humans each year.

Polar bears - While not typically encountered by humans, polar bears can be extremely dangerous when provoked. They are the largest land carnivores in the world and have been known to attack and kill humans.

Brown bears - Also known as grizzly bears, these large bears are found in North America and Eurasia and are known for their strength and aggression. Attacks on humans are rare but can be deadly