How can you resist the urge to touch or pet every creature you come across? I’m sure every animal lover has faced this challenge. Sometimes it feels impossible to hold back.
These cuddle sessions can end tragically, though, as some animals have toxins so harmful they could be fatal.
So, next time you approach, think about the swelling, nausea, and itching, and you’ll get over it.
Without further ado, here’s a list of animals you definitely should avoid touching.
1. Tsetse Fly
We’ve all been there: a fly starts buzzing around, annoying you, and without thinking, you swing your arm to swat it. Next time you start doing that, remember that not all flies are so harmless.
Take the Tsetse Fly, for example, which carries dangerous parasites that can harm humans. Their bite can lead to “sleeping sickness” which is characterized by poor coordination, weird behaviour and irregular sleep.
You better not make it angry!
2. Blue-Ringed Octopus
Us humans are curious creatures, tempted to touch everything that draws our attention. This nosiness can get us in trouble. For instance, if you decide to touch the fun circles on this octopus, the consequences might be fatal!
The Blue-ringed octopus is actually among the ocean’s most toxic animals. Yikes!
Its blue rings aren’t just for showing off, these actually contain toxics so harmful that they act as poison even when someone eats the octopus.
3. Box Jellyfish
If we spent more time thinking about what’s around us while swimming, not so many would get into the water anymore.
Imagine this: you’re taking a dip and something touches you, but you can’t even see what it is. Pretty scary, right?
The Box Jellyfish appear colorless and almost impossible to notice, but the consequences of their sting definitely are – from welts on the skin, burning sensations to chest paint and nausea.
Next time you go in the water you’ll think about this, right?
4. Golden Poison Frog
All that glitters is not gold, and this goldie is the perfect example for that.
Though looking harmless, the Golden Poison Frog is probably the most poisonous animal in the world.
This frog is only about two inches long, but the consequences of its toxins are huge – from pain, paralysis even to heart failure.
But here’s the kicker: the toxins it produces are so strong that only 2 micrograms of it can be fatal. Pretty brutal, don’t you think?
Better give the princess a heads-up before she starts kissing any more frogs.
5. Pufferfish
With its bubbly body and big round eyes, this fish looks like it’s straight from a cartoon, (but the one in which it is the villain).
Its innocent looks might deceive us, but in reality it’s among the most poisonous animals in the world.
The Pufferfish contains toxins in its whole body. These are in its skin, muscles, and even liver and kidneys. Touching or eating this fish could have fatal consequences
6. Brazilian Wandering Spider
As its name suggests, this spider likes to wander around, exploring various places like cars, shoes, clothes. I better start checking my sneakers before I go out.
The Brazilian Wandering spider is one of the worlds’ most venomous spiders. Even though their bites are rare, the consequences can get fatal.
As if their appearance wasn’t scary enough…
7. Platypus
The Platypus confirms that mammals can be venomous, too.
Their venom is hidden in the hollow spurs on their legs. Even though it is not life-threatening to human life, it is described as very painful.
This creature doesn’t typically use its venom to defend itself from predators. Instead, males primarily use it to compete against each other during breeding seasons.Here’s the fascinating part: their venom is being studied for its potential to treat diabetes and chronic pain. Quite impressive, don’t you think?