When it comes to the animal kingdom, survival often comes down to one simple rule: either you have a meal or you become a meal.
For many of the top predators, speed serves as their greatest asset. It is a crucial part of their life, making them unstoppable. As if the lion wasn’t vicious enough just by its sharp teeth and claws! Luckily for me, I probably won’t ever come face-to-face with one…
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of dangerous and fast animals, where every second counts.
1. Saltwater Crocodile
The Saltwater Crocodile doesn’t even try to hide its intentions. You can see in its eyes that this is one vicious beast.
Its danger doesn’t only lie in its appearance and sharp teeth, but also in the speed. Its hasty movements rarely give anyone a pass, reaching 18 miles per hour.
On the top of that, the Saltwater Crocodile is considered to be the largest crocodile species in the world. Another reason to stay on the boat…
2. Hippopotamus
I don’t know about you, but these creatures never seemed that dangerous to me. But, Hippos are actually considered to be Africa’s most dangerous mammals. This is due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature.
It gets worse! They are also the most fatal land mammals on the planet. It wouldn’t be enough to just say that I was wrong for thinking these are harmless…
Even though not that fast on land, hippos become real beasts when it comes to water, reaching around 19 – 28 miles per hour.
3. Brown Bear
Let me stop you before running into its fluffy hug, because this cuddlebear isn’t that cuddly.
I know, it’s hard to imagine that these gentle eyes could harm anyone. In most cases they wouldn’t, they rather prefer to avoid humans.
But, if startled or surprised, they activate their beast mode. Especially when it comes to mamma bears, you better run!
The real problem starts if the bear starts running, because this guy can reach up to 30 miles per hour. Phew!
4. Lion
It is not characteristic for lions to hunt their prey. They prefer the lazier option: hide, observe, attack!
Whatever way they choose, they will get to their target, because lions can reach around 50 miles per hour.
It isn’t easy being the king, but someone has to do it.
5. Cheetah
When you think about fast animals, you think about the cheetah. Right?
This elegant creature was always considered the formula one among animals, but do you know how fast it can actually be?
Drum roll, please: the cheetah can reach 75 miles per hour in just over three seconds. Yes, you’ve heard me right, three seconds!
No wonder these are top predators – no one has even the slightest chance of escaping.
6. Black Marlin
Let’s dive into the water and see who rules the ocean. The answer is Black Marlin, a giant who can reach 15 feet in height and 1,650 lbs in weight.
If this surprised you, watch out because here’s the real shocker: this creature can reach up to 82 miles per hour. This makes it among the fastest fish in the ocean. Talk about superpowers!
Besides its speed, its sharp and long bill helps it be a highly skilled predator.