Deadliest Animals vs. Sharks: What You Really Need to Fear
When people think of danger in the ocean, sharks often top the list. But here’s the truth: sharks are among the least deadly animals to humans. In fact, you’re more likely to be killed accidentally by a cow or a coconut than a shark. So which animals really pose the biggest threat to humans? Let’s dive into the facts and break down the top 10 most dangerous animals based on the number of human deaths they cause each year.
Top 10 Deadliest Animals to Humans (By Annual Deaths)
1. Mosquitoes – 725,000 deaths/year
Responsible for transmitting deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and more.
2. Humans (Homicide) – 400,000 deaths/year
Yes, we’re our own worst enemy.
3. Snakes – 100,000 deaths/year
Venomous bites are a major cause of mortality in rural regions.
4. Dogs (Rabies) – 59,000 deaths/year
Mainly in developing countries where rabies remains a serious threat.
5. Tsetse Flies – 10,000 deaths/year
Carriers of sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
6. Assassin Bugs – 10,000 deaths/year
Spread Chagas disease, a life-threatening illness found mostly in Latin America.
7. Freshwater Snails – 10,000 deaths/year
Transmit schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease impacting the liver and kidneys.
8. Ascaris Roundworms – 4,500 deaths/year
A common intestinal parasite causing malnutrition and intestinal blockage.
9. Tapeworms – 2,000 deaths/year
Cause neurocysticercosis, affecting the nervous system.
10. Crocodiles – 1,000 deaths/year
Aggressive and stealthy killers in freshwater habitats.
What About Sharks?
Sharks are responsible for around 5 to 10 unprovoked fatalities per year worldwide. That’s less than 0.001% of mosquito-related deaths and just a fraction compared to snakes, dogs, or even snails.
Most shark encounters are non-fatal, and often occur due to mistaken identity — surfers or swimmers mistaken for prey in murky water. Sharks aren’t out to get you; they’re essential to the balance of marine ecosystems.
Why This Matters for Divers
If you’re considering a scuba diving trip, don’t let fear of sharks hold you back. In fact, encountering a shark on a dive is a rare and exciting privilege for many divers — not a danger.
Here at Scuba Legends Dive Center Lanzarote, we promote education and respect for all marine life. Sharks are vital apex predators, and their presence helps keep coral reefs and fish populations in balance.
Want to Learn More?
Join us for some guided dives in some guided dives in Lanzarote, and discover the real wonders of the underwater world — without the myths. The famous shark to be spotted in Lanzarote is the Angelshark, such a beauty. Unfortunately, amongst many, an endangered species.
Book your adventure today and see for yourself that the ocean is a place of beauty, not fear.
