Guess What These Amazing Animals Are Called and We'll Give You a Fascinating Fact About Them!

By: Jody Mabry
Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

Did you know that the vast majority of sea turtles upon hatching never make it past their first day? They are hatched on land, and without assistance naturally, make their way across a sandy beach to the water. On their way, they come across predators ready for a little snack. From domesticated animals to the prehistoric these are some of the world's most fascinating animals. While you no doubt have heard of many, it may not be as easy to identify them as you think. But, if you're one of the lucky ones you'll be rewarded with an awesome fact. 

Did you know that in Tanzania alone in 1990, there were over 593 fatalities due to lion attacks? These Kings of the jungle are actually more common in the grasslands, live in groups of around 30 and will mark their territory which can stretch to over 100 square miles. That puts a little more perspective into Simba's father in "The Lion King" telling Simba that as far as the eye can see belongs to him. 

Whether you are a bidding zoologist or simply love animals this is the quiz for you. You'll find out which snake might be a good pet, or which you don't want to step on in the middle of the night. You'll find out which bear is cuddly and which one will rip you apart. Take this quiz to show off your knowledge of animals, and hopefully come away knowing a little more!

"Khrya-ya-ya-ya" screams the honey badger, a weasel-like creature with a bite that can break the shell of a tortoise. These animals aren't just known as the World's Most Fearless Creature, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, they're also known to be really mean animals that will pick a fight with anything -- from a lion to a python to a human.

In sea turtles, the sex of a hatchling is determined by incubation temperature. Turtle hatchlings will instinctively swim against waves to reach safety.

Just one pufferfish contains enough of a toxin called tetrodotoxin to kill 30 human adults. In fact, to humans, pufferfish poison is up to 1,200 times more toxic than cyanide -- and there is no available antidote.

Male Bornean orangutans have large cheek pads, while females do not. Thanks to extensive deforestation of their natural habitat, as well as poaching, the Bornean Orangutan population only numbered around 50,000, as of 2011. Orangutans are extremely clever and make use of tools in their daily activities. They share 97% of the same DNA as humans.

This venomous lizard lives in the southwestern United States. It can grow up to 2 feet long and has, from time to time, bitten humans. Much of its bad reputation comes from tales of the Old West that suggested that it ate humans, had a toxic breath and could jump several feet to attack.

The king of the big cats, the African lion is actually only the second largest cat in the world after the Siberian tiger. Lions live mostly in sub-Saharan Africa in grasslands and savannah regions. A sub-species is also found in northwestern India. Lions live in a pride of up to 30 animals and mark their territory, which can be up to 100 square miles in size. Essentially, these cats are predators and will attack humans if given the chance. As an example, Tanzania reported 593 deaths from lion attacks from 1990 to 2004.

Although they feed on ants and termites, Giant Anteaters can be very aggressive. And it's their claws that you have to worry about. Built to tear apart termite mounds, they can do serious damage to a human being.

Between 1870 and 2014, Polar bear attacks only accounted for 20 fatalities. Although this is far lower than other bear types, it certainly has something to do with the fact that, in general, these bears live far from humans. Polar bears grow to about 3 meters in length and males can weigh 450 kg. They are formidable predators.

Dogs? Really? Yes, even man’s best friend can be a killer. Unfortunately, there are many stray dogs in the world and some of these can be infected with rabies. Dogs kill around 25,000 people worldwide each year. This is mostly as a result of them contracting rabies and not receiving treatment. Dog attacks claim around 30 lives in the United States, a small percentage of the 4.5 million attacks that happen per annum.

The sleek, beautiful leopard is one of the five big cats found on our planet. They are identified by their tan-yellow color, black/orange spots on their bodies and solid spots on their legs. They live for about 12 years in the wild with males reaching up to 90 kgs. The leopard’s tail is half of the length of its body. From time to time, leopards have attacked humans and continue to do so, particularly in India and Nepal.

This spider is considered to be one of the most deadly in the world. It is said a bite from this spider can kill someone in about 15 minutes if they receive no medical treatment. In all, 13 deaths in Australia have been attributed to the funnel spider. They are milked for their venom which is then used to produce an anti-venom.

There are not many animals more majestic than the Bengal Tiger. This beautiful creature is found in a number of locations, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and India. In 209 years (up until 2009), it is estimated that tigers have killed around 373,000 people! Of course, these numbers are dropping due to tiger numbers declining as their habitats are taken over by man.

These majestic beasts are not to be trifled with. Although they are not aggressive, if they feel threatened, they will defend themselves. Elephants around the world kill about 500 people each year. The African elephant can weigh up to 6 tons and grow up to 10 feet tall. It's best to view them from the safety of your car while on safari!

Found in the northeastern parts of the United States, Canada and elsewhere around the world, the least weasel is a formidable hunter. It possesses incredibly strong jaws with teeth that can penetrate through bone when biting its victims. They eat a variety of foods, including birds, frogs, rodents and even rabbits. These creatures are particularly aggressive and have been known to attack humans.

One would not normally associate horses with deadly animals. The fact remains, however, that around 20 people die in the world through horse-related incidents each year. Horses often are not directly responsible as most deaths occur from falls. That said, a horse can severely injure you if allowed to kick.

Native to New Guinea and Australia, the Cassowary is considered to be the most dangerous bird in the world. They are thought to be descendants of dinosaurs thanks to a large horn-like protrusion on the top of their heads with males brightly colored to attract a mate. Although they are dangerous, they will only attack if cornered or threatened.

Deer dangerous? Yes, indeed! Well, it’s not so much that the animal attacks people but the fact that deer are often involved in motor vehicle collisions – around 1.5 million per year. This results in 130 to 200 fatalities each year.

Another fairly dangerous bird, mute swans are found in a number of locations around the world, including Europe, South Africa, and North America. These large birds have beautiful white feathers, long necks and black markings around their beaks. These swans are protective over their territory, especially if they have laid eggs. They will attack if they feel threatened but will first let their intentions be known by hissing.

In the last seven years, 22 people have died in the United States from snake bites. These numbers are particularly low seeing that around 7,000 people are bitten each year. These numbers might have increased if one of the world's deadliest snakes, the Carpet Viper, was found in the U.S. These dangerous creatures are found in India and are responsible for a large number of deaths in that country.

It doesn't matter if the crocodile is from the Nile or a regular saltwater variety, these animals are dangerous. Estimates put crocodile attacks worldwide at between 305 to 775 of which over 60 percent are fatal. Nile crocodiles are particularly dangerous as they live near populated areas. These beasts can grow up to 4.2 meters in length and weigh as much as 550 kg. They are capable of speeds of up to 18 mph in the water and 7 mph on land.

Although they look like they just lay in the water all day, a Hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive animals on the planet and responsible for 500 deaths per year! These creatures are massive and can weigh up to 8,000 pounds. They do not swim while in the water. Instead, they walk along the bottom. On land, they can outrun humans and reach speeds of 18 mph.

The American Alligator is mostly found in the southeastern parts of the country, including Florida and Louisiana. These incredible creatures are from a bygone era when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Males will grow to be between 10 and 14 feet in length and can weigh close to 990 pounds. Attacks happen every so often, with 19 deaths reported in the United States since 2000.

Despite looking fairly docile, don’t let a moose fool you! A moose will charge anyone who it feels is a threat. And with males reaching close to 700 kg when fully grown, you sure don’t want to be hit by one of these bad boys.

In the last seven years, 22 people have died in the United States from snake bites. These numbers are particularly low seeing that around 7,000 people are bitten each year. The most venomous snake found in the U.S. is the Cottonmouth. This semi-aquatic snake’s venom is extremely powerful and can even destroy flesh.

Surely an American Bison is not dangerous. Well, believe it or not, they can be. In fact, statistics show that while in a national park in the United States, you are more likely to be injured by a bison than a bear. Bison, although they look placid, will attack, especially during breeding season. And it seems that selfies are a particular problem with people wanting a photo with the animal and then turning their back on it.

In the last seven years, 22 people have died in the United States from snake bites. Luckily, the Boomslang, roughly translated as ‘tree snake,’ only lives in Africa. This snake is particularly poisonous and loves nothing more than to spend its time in trees. They are green and black and while they look incredibly beautiful, their poison destroys red blood cells, stops clotting and damages tissue.

Since 2000, only two fatalities have occurred as a result of wolf attacks In Northern America. Grey wolves are the most common species found in the United States. Males grow to around 6.5 feet in length and weigh around 130 pounds. They can live for approximately eight years in the wild.

On average, around six people die from spider bites in the United States each year. One of the most dangerous spiders found in America is the Brown Recluse spider. A bite from this critter will require medical attention. These spiders range between 6 to 20 mm in length but can grow bigger. They are not always brown, however, and can range from an off-white to a gray-black color. Recluse spiders are not particularly aggressive and, in general, only bite if squashed against the skin by clothing, for example.

Although endangered, particularly from poachers, rhinos can be extremely aggressive, especially when protecting their young. These behemoths run at speeds of up to 30 mph and can do serious damage when charging, thanks to the fact that they weigh between 700 kg to 1400 kg.

This is the deadliest scorpion on earth. Found in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, a sting from this beast can cause nausea and excessive fluid in the lungs which can lead to death. These scorpions are small, usually around 60 mm in length with colors ranging from grey to brown to orange.

One of the most feared bears in the world, Grizzly Bears are found in North America and live for around 25 years in the wild. This member of the brown bear family can weigh up to 800 pounds and grows to approximately 5 to 8 feet in length. In the past seven years, 19 people have been fatally attacked by bears in the United States. Eleven of these were attributed to Grizzlies.

In many third world countries where people rely on rivers to wash their clothes and clean themselves, freshwater snails can be a real problem. This is because they carry disease, including bilharzia. In fact, a variety of these snail species are responsible for over 10,000 deaths a year worldwide.

The largest member of the weasel family, wolverines are extremely aggressive. They cover over 15 miles per day while looking for food and, therefore, come into human contact fairly often. They eat a range of foods, including rabbits and rodents as well as fruits, berries, and plants. Wolverines have extremely sharp claws and teeth and should be left alone if encountered.

At 700 kgs, a Cape Buffalo is an imposing animal. Found in Africa, it is said that these buffalo kill up to 200 people a year. Lions are even known to steer clear of a buffalo herd, preferring to pick off sick stragglers or young animals.

These large lizards are incredibly dangerous and have been known to attack humans and sometimes even kill. In 2007, they killed an 8-year old boy on Komodo Island while two years later, a 31-year old man was killed by two Komodo dragons after he fell from a tree. A male Komodo dragon can grow up to 2.6 meters in length and weigh up to 90 kgs.

Sun bears are found in a range of countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia to name a few. These bears are extremely aggressive and normally attack on sight. They are smaller than bears found in North America and receive their name from a yellow patch that appears on their chests.

Wild boars are found throughout the world. They are extremely aggressive animals and known to attack humans as well as other animals, including dogs. They normally attack by charging and gouging with their tusks, only stopping when their victim is incapacitated.

Nothing like the cartoon character, a Tasmanian Devil is a marsupial related to the kangaroo. They are extremely aggressive and often will fly into a rage if threatened, while defending their food or when trying to fight off another suitor for their potential mate.

Also known as the mountain lion, the Cougar is found mainly in the western parts of the United States. This cat grows to around 5 feet in length with adults weighing up to 135 pounds. Cougars feed on a range of prey, including deer, coyotes, porcupines and raccoons. Since 2000, there have been three reported deaths from cougar attacks in the United States.

In the last seven years, 22 people have died in the United States from snakebites. These numbers are particularly low considering that around 7,000 people are bitten each year. The death adder is native to Australia. It can kill a human in six hours after it has delivered its venom and if no medical assistance is sought.

Also known as the American jackal, the coyote is a medium-sized canine related to wolves, dogs, and foxes. They are most famous for their ability to howl, which they use as a form of communication. Coyotes grow to around 37 inches long, excluding their tail, and can weigh up to 50 pounds. In a 30-year period up until 2006, 160 coyote attacks have been recorded in the United States.

Certainly not as dangerous as other creatures found in Africa, a Silverback Gorilla is big enough and certainly strong enough to do some extensive damage to a human. The good news is that these gorillas are often viewed in the wild by groups of people. When they feel threatened, however, they will attack to protect their own.

Commonly known as Driver or Army ants, these insects should be avoided at all costs. They literally eat everything in their path. Their mandibles are capable of cutting through even the hardest insect exoskeleton while they secrete a liquid that dissolves their prey allowing them to feed on the remains.

Asian Black Bears live in a number of countries, including Taiwan, Japan, the Himalayas, parts of India, Korea, and East Russia. This bear is sometimes known as the Moon Bear. They do attack humans and numerous cases have been reported in all the countries in which it is found. The second person ever to receive a face transplant, Li Guoxing, was a victim of a Black Bear attack.

Many people think that hyenas are scavengers and that they are opportunistic predators that will rather pick at a carcass left by lions than hunt their own food. This is a myth. Around 95 percent of their food comes from hunting in packs. Hyenas are known to attack humans and will target those they perceive to be sick or weak, such as children or the elderly.

In the last seven years, 22 people have died in the United States from snake bites. These numbers are particularly low considering that around 7,000 people are bitten each year. Of the 22 deaths, three have been attributed to the Western Diamond Rattlesnake.

Found in the jungles of Colombia, this small colorful frog contains enough venom to kill up to 10 fully grown men! Other than humans destroying its natural habitat, this frog has one natural predator, a snake that is impervious to its poison. These frogs are so named because local tribes use their poison to coat their blow darts.

Scorpions kill around 3,000 people around the world each year. One of the most dangerous is the Deathstalker found in parts of North Africa as well as the Middle East. If stung, their poison can cause severe cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction, particularly in the aged, sick, or young children. Even in healthy adults, a sting from this scorpion will require immediate medical attention.

These hornets are the largest found on Earth. They are found in East Asia, particularly Japan and China. These scary flying insects can certainly kill. In fact, in 2013, 41 people died in Shaanxi, China as a result of stings from these hornets. Over 1,600 people were injured.

In the last seven years, 22 people have died in the United States from snake bites. These numbers are particularly low considering that around 7,000 people are bitten each year. Luckily, the Black Mamba is not native to America. Why? Well, this snake is considered to be one of the most deadly in the world and is found in Southern Africa. There are even reports of Black Mamba's chasing humans!

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