Historians estimate half of all people that ever lived were killed by mosquitoes, largely due to their ability to pass on disease.
Snakebites kill up to 138,000 people each year and seriously harm another 400,000. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the UN.
Rodents have thrived through the ages, largely because they have tied their fortunes to humans. This close relationship also makes them (and their fleas).
With 900 million dogs on the planet, man’s best friend can also be one of his greatest enemies. Nearly 60,000 people die from rabies each year after being bitten by an infected dog.
Up to an estimated 600 million cats on the planet—some pets, many feral—can rack up serious human health impacts.
Scorpions are masters of the surprise sting thanks to their propensity for seeking out hidden corners in human homes.
Jellyfish may be beautiful bags of mostly water, but they pack in some of the world’s most lethal venom. Box jellyfish (Cubozoa) are the most dangerous of their kind.
Hippopotamuses are one of Africa’s orneriest herbivores when it comes to defending their young and territory.
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