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6 Surprisingly Aggressive Animals That You May Want To Avoid

6 Surprisingly Aggressive Animals That You May Want To Avoid

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you approached a cute animal and immediately regretted it? I have!

Some animals that look cute or harmless can actually pack a punch when they get provoked. Sometimes, it can happen for no reason at all! It’s a situation very few are ever prepared for!

This list is a guide for you, dear friend. These animals are lovely to look at but do so from a distance. Both they and your unbit skin will appreciate it! 

1. Swan

Swan
Credit: Shutterstock

Elegant, beautiful, and starring in Barbie movies! We’ve all seen the way they glide across ponds. Nothing compares to it! 

But swans never put any “Private Property” signs on their pond. They are fiercely territorial and will not hesitate to attack anything that gets close to their nest.

They can’t be that dangerous though! Right? Well, their wings have enough strength to break a human arm. You do the math. 

And if you catch a male swan during mating season? Let’s just say that even a friendly stroll near a lake will land you on their enemy list.

2. Honey Badger

Honey Badger
Credit: Shutterstock

This small package of fur looks like a wishlist sloth – adorable and small. But let me tell you this: they have quite a fearless attitude. These legends take on lions, hyenas, and do a full-on Hercules and fight venomous snakes!

A funny thing about them: Honey badgers have loose skin. So, when they get grabbed by an attacker, they twist around and bite them! Honestly, anyone would get taken aback by that. 

And with their sharp claws and teeth? Yeah. Don’t mess with them.

3. Koala

Koala
Credit: Shutterstock

Koalas are living plush toys, and hugging one is one of my dreams. Unfortunately, they don’t like humans very much. We stress them out! That’s why they show aggression to humans specifically!

Male koalas can be very territorial. They will fight you with their claws and make you deaf with their bellows!

I mean, look. Imagine you spend almost the whole day sleeping. Then, you’re woken by a giant who is trying to suffocate you with love? Better put those boxing gloves on, because no one interrupts THE NAP!

4. Dolphin

Dolphin
Credit: Shutterstock

Dolphins are some of the most intelligent creatures out there. They’re often portrayed as playful and friendly, which is about 70% true. 

But here is the terrifying thing: they can be extremely aggressive towards other dolphins and other sea creatures. Male dolphins gang up and attack rivals together. They’re often seen playing with their prey’s remains. Yikes!

Their intelligence just makes this all the more terrifying. Imagine how manipulated a prey fish would feel if they watched Flipper and Lopaka!

5. Ostrich

Ostrich
Credit: Shutterstock

Oh, these birds have got a bad attitude. Straight up. No beating around the bush.

Ostriches are over 8 feet tall, and they’re the largest bird in the world. Trust me, they aren’t afraid to throw all this weight around. If they feel threatened, which happens often.

Ostrich kicks are infamous for being powerful enough to take a lion down. And I personally would not mess with that. If a lion is being cautious around them, then who am I to argue?

And my favorite bit: they can run at speeds of up to 50 miles an hour. Sooo… If they decide you’re a threat, good luck trying to outrun them.

6. Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus
Credit: Shutterstock

Every time I call a hippo cute and flubbery, a friend of mine reminds me that they are responsible for more human casualties in Africa than lions are

They’re still giant, adorable water-loving cows to me! I just, you know, want to only see them in photos and cute animal videos instead.Hippos charge at anything that invades their space. And with those jaws? I wouldn’t risk it. On top of it all, don’t forget: they’re incredibly fast for their size and will chase after you! Both land and water!