Different animals use various tactics when it comes to hunting. Some like to chase, some to trap, but many save their energy and silently wait for their prey.
These are also called the sit-and-wait predators, and that says it all. Their tactic involves a lot of patience, but they know for sure that it will pay off.
Caught in surprise, their prey becomes an easy target.
Some sneakier than the others, who’s the sneakiest of them all?
1. Black Mamba
Highly venomous and second longest venomous snake. Quite a combo, don’t you think?
Despite their name, these snakes aren’t black. They are usually gray or brown, which helps them camouflage in their surroundings.
They prefer both ground-living and tree-living, making themselves a danger to many other creatures.
Their most fatal attribute is their venom. As they strike their prey, it becomes paralyzed, and perfectly still to become lunch.
2. Fox
This scheming creature won’t let their meal escape that easily.
Foxes can adapt to almost every environment like forests, mountains and even cities. This combined with their skillful hunting makes them one of the best undercover predators.
Relying on their sense of smell and sight, they hide and carefully stalk their prey. When the moment is right, they take action.
3. Alligator
The villain of many stories, the alligator.
The swamp kings have it easy as their skin color is almost invisible under water. They make themselves comfortable and patiently wait for the right moment.
Many animals approach the water to drink. If not careful enough, they are only seconds away from becoming lunch.
The alligator’s quick movements and reaction rarely give anyone a pass.
This creature is really cold-blooded, both figuratively and literally.
4. Lion
Did you really think a king could get over his pride and run around looking for his next meal?
Of course not, a lion would never allow itself that.
The king awaits gracefully, as it befits him. When the right moment comes, he takes matters into his own hands, or better say teeth.
Since lions live in prides, they often go hunting together too. Each of them plays an important role as they attempt to catch bigger prey.
5. Komodo Dragon
A real-life dragon? I’m impressed.
Look at its tail and claws, it really looks like a mythical creature.
It’s hard not to notice this guy, since some of them weigh up to 150 pounds and are 9 feet long. This makes them the largest living lizard species.
Regardless of its size, it finds its ways to remain unnoticed.
Camouflaging themselves, they wait and observe their target. When it gets close enough, the dragon takes action.
Even if the prey manages to escape, this creatures’ venom-like saliva helps it finish what it started.
6. Leopard
It is in their nature to mostly be and hunt alone. The most introverted of all the cats, Leopards are truly fascinating.
This elegant creature awaits in silence. Leopards rely on their speed to launch an ambush, overpowering their prey with the element of surprise.
There’s no one they are afraid to take down, from the helpless gazelle to larger prey like the zebra.
7. Water Moccasin
These huge creatures, reaching about 24 – 48 inches in length, make one of the sneakiest predators.
No territory is unknown for them. They swim, climb trees and crawl on rocks.
Their greed requires careful hunting. Moccasins eat almost anything and everything: lizards, other snakes, turtles, small mammals, and fish.
All they have to do is blend in with their surroundings. When the victim gets along, the snake bites it and lets venom deceive it.
Here’s where it gets really interesting. The water moccasin swallows its prey whole, using its ability to dislocate its jaw and adapt to larger meals.
8. Peregrine Falcon
Are you wondering how a bird ended up on a list with the most dangerous creatures?
This isn’t just any bird. This bird is the world’s fastest animal.
Yes, you’ve heard me right. The bird reaches speeds up to 200 miles per hour while hunting.
It carefully scans its surroundings, finding the best target. Using its so-called hunting stoop, it takes aim without missing a beat.
9. Timber Rattlesnake
Their patterns and colors allow them to get unnoticed in grass or on rocks. Their camouflage helps them observe their prey in silence.
After a quick and effective reaction, these snakes can relax waiting for their venom to do the rest of the job.
The pits near their eyes also give them an advantage. These allow them to feel the warmth of other animals, signaling that they are near.
It gets its name from the characteristic tail, which has rattles that shake when it feels danger.