Random Deadly Animals That Prove Australia Is Scariest Place On Earth (14 items)

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  (#1) Box jellyfish

  • Chironex fleckeri

  The delicate-looking box jellyfish appears harmless. And yet, it is the absolute deadliest, most venomous marine animal on the planet. All over and through their bodies are pockets of poison called nematocysts, which act like poison darts. People and animals who receive their sting suffer serious consequences, such as paralysis, cardiac arrest, and sometimes death. And these symptoms can happen in just a few minutes. 

  The box jellyfish name comes from their body shape, and some of them grow to 10 feet long (including tentacles) and 1 foot in diameter. They are found in the warmer waters of the world, but the most poisonous varieties dwell in the Northern Territory of Australia, and along the Western Australian coast.

  In addition to being poisonous, the box jellyfish has another valuable skill. It moves very quickly through the water and can swim up to 4 knots per hour. The box jellyfish is exceptional to other jellyfish in this way, since other jellies simply float along with the tide. The box jellyfish is large and in charge, so look out if you are swimming in one of their territories.
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  (#4) Blue-ringed octopus

  • Hapalochlaena

  The blue-ringed octopus is very pretty. But don't let that fool you. The tiny blue-ringed octopus is one of the most poisonous animals in the world. It makes its home all around the coastal regions of Australia, and around the Pacific to Japan. Because it loves the security and food opportunities found in tidal pools, humans regularly come into contact with it.

  Like a number of animals, it won't seek out a human, but if it is disturbed or stepped on, disaster can happen. There is no known antidote, and if bitten, loss of life can occur within minutes. In fact, this tiny, innocent-looking animal packs enough venom to take out 26 human adults in mere minutes.
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  (#11) Eastern brown snake

  • Pseudonaja textilis

  Did you know that Australia is home to around 170 species of land snakes? And that a number of those are among the most poisonous animals in the world? Despite this, snake bites are actually quite rare Down Under. Part of the reason is because most Australians live in large coastal cities and towns - places that snakes find too noisy and bothersome in which to reside. Still, between four and six people perish from snake bites in Australia each year, so it pays to keep an eye out for the dangerous creatures and avoid them wherever possible.

  The eastern brown snake lives on the eastern half of the continent. It is known for its particularly vile temper, its speed, and its aggression toward anyone or anything that approaches. This is the snake that is usually responsible for snake casualties in Australia. Its venom is the second most poisonous of any land snake in the world. Unlike most snakes, the eastern brown snake loves to live in populated areas. They have a special fondness for living on farms, due to the mice that also live there - a main source of food.

  This snake is not only highly toxic, but also exhibits behavior that is freakishly terrifying. If it senses someone approaching, it lifts its body off the ground into an "S" shape. It opens its mouth and prepares to strike. Those unfortunate enough to cross paths with one of these dangerous creatures probably will get bit. The venom causes paralysis to spread quickly throughout the body and instantly prevents the victim's blood from clotting, causing total collapse within a few minutes.
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  (#2) Sydney funnel-web spider

  • Atrax robustus

  The Sydney funnel web spider is named for its overwhelmingly preferred habitat location - Sydney. These poisonous spiders are found in and all around the major city, and around the New South Wales coastline, but they rarely venture beyond that. It is considered the deadliest spider in Australia.

  The spider's official scientific name is Atrax robustus, which describes the spider's stocky build. It is a very sturdy, robust spider, and the male of the species has spurs on its legs. It is also highly poisonous, and a bite from the Sydney funnel web spider may prove lethal. Just as its name suggests, this spider builds a funnel-style web, which is helpful in luring prey into the spider's den. As with most spider species, the male is much smaller and, unfortunately, lives a shorter life. 
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  (#5) Great white shark

  • Carcharodon carcharias

  While it's not extremely common for great white sharks to attack, they have been known to bite people swimming in their territory. Great white sharks swim in various places off the coast of Australia. These creatures grow to be 15 feet long and up to 5,000 pounds. Their powerful teeth can chomp through just about anything. 

  And while they don't prey on humans, sometimes they do confuse humans in the water with types of animals they actually eat. In 2016 alone, 23 people were attacked by sharks, but only two perished. Most of them were unprovoked attacks. 
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  (#8) Bull shark

  • Carcharhinus leucas

  Bull sharks are super aggressive animals that aren't afraid to venture far up brackish, inland rivers. You never know where they will turn up, but their first preference is warm shorelines, such as those found around the perimeter of Australia.

  Due to their fearlessness and fierce behavior, they are considered by experts to be the most dangerous sharks on the planet. The bull shark is also considered one of the scariest animals in the world. It's one of only a handful of shark species that are likely to attack humans. Weighing in at around 200-500 pounds and between 7 and 11 feet long, they pack the kind of size and power that poses a threat to humans and marine animals alike. They will eat practically anything that crosses their path.

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