Some animals are so adorable that we can’t help but want to cuddle them. But beware: not all cute creatures are harmless. Some of them can actually kill you with their venom, teeth, claws, or sheer force. Here are five examples of animals that look cute but deadly.
1. Pufferfish
Pufferfish are round, spiky fish that can inflate themselves when threatened. They might look like cute balloons, but they are actually one of the most poisonous vertebrates in the world. They contain a toxin called tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times more deadly than cyanide1. There is no antidote for this toxin, which can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. Despite the risk, some people eat pufferfish as a delicacy in Japan, where only trained chefs can prepare it safely.
2. Slow Loris
Slow lorises are small, furry primates with big eyes and gentle faces. They look like cuddly teddy bears, but they are actually venomous mammals. They have glands on their elbows that secrete a toxin that they can mix with their saliva or coat their fur with2. If they bite or scratch someone, they can cause allergic reactions, pain, swelling, and even death by anaphylactic shock. They can also mimic cobras by raising their arms and hissing2.
3. Moose
Moose are large, majestic animals that live in forests and wetlands. They have long legs, antlers, and a friendly smile. But don’t let that fool you: moose are among the most dangerous animals in the world. They can run faster than humans and attack with aggression if they feel threatened or provoked. They are especially violent when defending their calves or during the mating season3. They can cause serious injuries or death with their hooves, antlers, or sheer weight. They are also responsible for many fatal car accidents.
4. Blue-Ringed Octopus
Blue-ringed octopuses are small, colorful cephalopods that live in coral reefs and tide pools. They have bright blue rings on their bodies that flash when they are agitated. They might look like pretty jewels, but they are actually a warning sign of their deadly venom. They have a powerful neurotoxin that can kill a human in minutes1. There is no antivenom for this venom, which can cause numbness, nausea, paralysis, and respiratory arrest. The worst part is that their bites are painless, so you might not even know you’ve been poisoned until it’s too late.
5. Polar Bear
Polar bears are fluffy, white bears that live in the Arctic. They have a cute nose, expressive eyes, and a playful demeanor. But don’t be fooled: polar bears are the largest and most powerful predators on land. They can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and run up to 25 miles per hour1. They have sharp teeth and claws that can tear through flesh and bone. They are also the only animals that will actively stalk and hunt humans for food. They are not afraid of people and will attack without warning.