I was stalked once by a mountain lion, it was a very scary encounter to have that big cat circling me all the way off a mountain here in the Idaho Panhandle. I've never had anything else do that - so I'd put them right up there as a dangerous critter.
What is the most dangerous predator?
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The example of a wolf killing a Grizzly seems strange indeed, since Grizzlies often track hunting wolf packs and steal their kills from them. And recently it was reported that a captive Grizzly killed a wolf over a bone in front of about 25 people in Canada.
Lions are the only land predators that routinely kill prey animals larger than themselves -- other than those that hunt in packs.
I don't think a meaningful conclusion could be reached based on any single encounter, and I think it would depend on the individual animals involved. This reminds me of the whole "Samurai vs Knight" thing.
Well waddya know... here's a web site with several pages dedicated to the question:
http://www.lairweb.org.nz/tiger/conflict.html
Lions are the only land predators that routinely kill prey animals larger than themselves -- other than those that hunt in packs.
I don't think a meaningful conclusion could be reached based on any single encounter, and I think it would depend on the individual animals involved. This reminds me of the whole "Samurai vs Knight" thing.
Well waddya know... here's a web site with several pages dedicated to the question:
http://www.lairweb.org.nz/tiger/conflict.html
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most dangerous?
That is King Cobras of South India,they can standup 6ft high,looks striate in to your eyes,and its known to attack Elephents also,and its prayes on other snakes even ther cobras also,if it bite a man he will die with in 8 minitue.but the most power ful animal is Royal Bengal Tigers,unlike Lion they hunts alone,they even attack and kill Elephants and crocodailes also(you can watch in youtube,one tiger in Kassirenga National Park ,Assam,India attacking a man on the top of a elephent,one another Tiger from Ranthabore National Park in Rajasthan,India attacking and killing a crock),India is the only place Tigers and Lions leave together,normaly lions will avoid a tiger terriotory.tiger and lion both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but tiger got little upper hand over lions
That is King Cobras of South India,they can standup 6ft high,looks striate in to your eyes,and its known to attack Elephents also,and its prayes on other snakes even ther cobras also,if it bite a man he will die with in 8 minitue.but the most power ful animal is Royal Bengal Tigers,unlike Lion they hunts alone,they even attack and kill Elephants and crocodailes also(you can watch in youtube,one tiger in Kassirenga National Park ,Assam,India attacking a man on the top of a elephent,one another Tiger from Ranthabore National Park in Rajasthan,India attacking and killing a crock),India is the only place Tigers and Lions leave together,normaly lions will avoid a tiger terriotory.tiger and lion both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but tiger got little upper hand over lions
JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone
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Ok, the cats were mentioned. They are predators.
Hippos are not. Neither are Elephants or Water Buffalo.
Crocks and Gators are predators but I look at them more like opportunists.
We've got snakes and Lizards and insects that are predatory, but are also opportunists.
There are Birds of prey, and big Sharks, even Squid. Orca are actually pretty particular at what they eat and even though they're dubbed the 'Killer Whale', haven't been predator toward man in -forever.
Any of the large cats are Bad A$$'s, and pound for pound there are very few even matchups. Including Mountain Lion vs Wolf. I've got to agree with STEVELYN in an earlier post, "In the polar bear's world, everything that isn't another polar bear is something to eat."
Because even in a Lion's or Tiger's world, everything that roams the land is not food. From what I've read, for the most part, Tigers don't mess with primates! Cats support the 'Strong shall survive' rule. The weak, the slow, those are the easy prey of cats. Discovery Channal ran a simulated show/series a while back with a Grizzly vs Tiger/Lion. IIRC the Bear won both times. There were several other simulations.
Polar Bears just don't care. If he can smell you, (from four miles away), you're on the dinner menu. Now that's a true predator.
And what's this I've heard? Polar Bears crossbreading with Grizzly's?
-Steve
Hippos are not. Neither are Elephants or Water Buffalo.
Crocks and Gators are predators but I look at them more like opportunists.
We've got snakes and Lizards and insects that are predatory, but are also opportunists.
There are Birds of prey, and big Sharks, even Squid. Orca are actually pretty particular at what they eat and even though they're dubbed the 'Killer Whale', haven't been predator toward man in -forever.
Any of the large cats are Bad A$$'s, and pound for pound there are very few even matchups. Including Mountain Lion vs Wolf. I've got to agree with STEVELYN in an earlier post, "In the polar bear's world, everything that isn't another polar bear is something to eat."
Because even in a Lion's or Tiger's world, everything that roams the land is not food. From what I've read, for the most part, Tigers don't mess with primates! Cats support the 'Strong shall survive' rule. The weak, the slow, those are the easy prey of cats. Discovery Channal ran a simulated show/series a while back with a Grizzly vs Tiger/Lion. IIRC the Bear won both times. There were several other simulations.
Polar Bears just don't care. If he can smell you, (from four miles away), you're on the dinner menu. Now that's a true predator.
And what's this I've heard? Polar Bears crossbreading with Grizzly's?
-Steve
bromdenlong
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z Infidel wrote:
Lions are the only land predators that routinely kill prey animals larger than themselves -- other than those that hunt in packs.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nope. Leopards do it all the time, and they are strictly solo hunters. They routinely kill animals that outweigh them, and then haul their carcasses up into trees so they can eat in peace.
Wolverines and shrews also come to mind, as do some snakes. And speaking of snakes, the mongoose can kill and eat snakes bigger than it is. I think that the mongoose can hunt alone or in groups.
I'm sure others can come up with other examples.
Lions are the only land predators that routinely kill prey animals larger than themselves -- other than those that hunt in packs.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nope. Leopards do it all the time, and they are strictly solo hunters. They routinely kill animals that outweigh them, and then haul their carcasses up into trees so they can eat in peace.
Wolverines and shrews also come to mind, as do some snakes. And speaking of snakes, the mongoose can kill and eat snakes bigger than it is. I think that the mongoose can hunt alone or in groups.
I'm sure others can come up with other examples.
I have no hesitation to say in North America it would be the Polar Bear. They show no fear and if you are in their territory, you are food. Unlike other bears that will generally not bother you unless you startle them, they have cubs or are protecting a kill, the polar bear will hunt you.
BTW, here is a good book to read about one womans solo Arctic journey. Polar bear threats were a constant fear.
http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Dream-First-Expedition-Magnetic/dp/0939165457
BTW, here is a good book to read about one womans solo Arctic journey. Polar bear threats were a constant fear.
http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Dream-First-Expedition-Magnetic/dp/0939165457
MCgunner
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My vote to the tiger, the lion, and in North America, the Polar Bear. No snake stalks a human for food. Snakes defend themselves and will get out of the way before striking. Mountain lion will stalk a man, a nature photog friend ( www.jameshersey.com ) was stalked by a young animal in the Guadalupes on the Texas side, McKitrick canyon, ran it off by swinging his tripod at it. He said it was a bit like a kitten stalking a mouse, LOL, young cat. But, they do attack joggers and such and it ain't just play. More dangerous, I think, is the Jaguar, bigger, will eat humans for food. Griz, well, they've done it, but they're down the list I think. Gators? Just don't go swimming with big, hungry gators. Gator attacks are quite rare, though they have happened around here. They're more noted for taking Labrador retrievers in early teal season than humans, though. They ain't salt water crocks or African crocks by any stretch, but they are quite dangerous and not something you wanna play with.
ZeSpectre
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Somebody else beat me to it, but I say Wolverines.
macFarlaine
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It has to be THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLE, one nasty dog,very rarely seen but it's there in the fog waiting for elderly American and Japanese tourists.
johnnydangerously
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Liger
look up this animal called a Liger. I'm not kidding its a mix between a lion and a tiger, and it is ENORMOUS. Match that up with the grizz for a fairer weight class match up
look up this animal called a Liger. I'm not kidding its a mix between a lion and a tiger, and it is ENORMOUS. Match that up with the grizz for a fairer weight class match up
351 WINCHESTER
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I have watched cats (house cast, bobcats) in real life. They are probably better stalkers than anything I can think of. They are quick (I mean real quick). I've seen more dogs, big and small, run away from a cat fight with their tails tucked between their legs. I have a lot of respect for cats. I once saw a rather large bobcat take down a medium size deer. It was very quick and deceisive. There was hair flying everywhere and it was over in just a few seconds.
I just saw where the largest recorded Polar bear weighed over a ton, the largest recorded brown/griz, 2500lb kinda thought the polar bear was larger, but the Kodiak Grizzly is king, the island has everything in the form of variety and abundance of foods.
the largest recorded brown/griz, 2500lb kinda thought the polar bear was larger, but the Kodiak Grizzly is king, the island has everything in the form of variety and abundance of foods.Nom de Guerre
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I think on land the Kodiak and the Polar Bear are both top predators in their respective ranges.
In the sea, I'd go with giant squid. Those things have gone after whales, and not just calves, but mature whales.
An interesting trivia question...
What animal has the highest measured/recorded testosterone level of all?
In the sea, I'd go with giant squid. Those things have gone after whales, and not just calves, but mature whales.
An interesting trivia question...
What animal has the highest measured/recorded testosterone level of all?
dirty dave
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Had a coyote sneak up on me once turkey hunting.Must have sounded like a sick wounded hen.Here in my state in fall can take two hens a day for one weekend.Took one that morning dressed it guess between my calling and the smell of blood brought the coyote sneaking on me like a cat.He was surprised .
Constantine-p89
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A Silverback Gorilla.
Nom de Guerre
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Supposedly the animal with the highest testosterone levels is a Bull Shark.
http://www.pelagic.org/overview/time2001cover_a.html
Read the 2nd paragraph under the Bull Shark section.
http://www.pelagic.org/overview/time2001cover_a.html
Read the 2nd paragraph under the Bull Shark section.
bromdenlong: yep, you're correct. In fact, I've learned about that since I posted that message. Snow Leopards are especially impressive in what they can do in the terrain where they live. The big cats are all really impressive in their own ways.
As far as house cats are concerned, they possess many of the same traits as the big cats. They can indeed intimidate domestic dogs -- even big ones to a point. But I've personally witnessed a coyote kill a big tomcat with no hesitation. I think it's the wildness that makes a difference.
In the sea, I'd say the Orca is probably the top of the food chain. They've been known to kill great white sharks, squid, etc...
As far as house cats are concerned, they possess many of the same traits as the big cats. They can indeed intimidate domestic dogs -- even big ones to a point. But I've personally witnessed a coyote kill a big tomcat with no hesitation. I think it's the wildness that makes a difference.
In the sea, I'd say the Orca is probably the top of the food chain. They've been known to kill great white sharks, squid, etc...
All dangerous game attack from ambush or trapping their prey. A pack of wolves 'herd' their kill to a point where numbers work. Their sucess rate is much better than lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! That being said they can't climb trees. To me the most dangerous animal to humans other than the venomious ones is the gaters and crocs. you have to have water and their ambush site, plus the ability to drown and cause blood loss makes them particularly dangerous. Bears are probably the toughest to put down when they charge, esp. the larger griz, browns, and polar types. Tigers and leopords are great stalk and ambush hunters and I wouldn't want them to make a meal out of me, same for lions. Techniques differ with the terrain and make them sucessful with where they hunt. A gator on land is less dangerous than one in water IMHO, so I think that determining which is more dangerous would depend on terrain, duration of time in the location, are we hunting them or they hunting us, availabliity of trees, etc.
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From what I've read two animals that will hunt man for food with no compunction about it at all are the Jaguar and the Polar Bear.
The most worried I've ever been in an animal situation was with a herd of agitated cow elephant. Those girls will try to cut your wind and methodically hunt you down and kill you.
I'd take on a wounded dagga boy cape buffalo bull any day over a herd of po'ed cow elephant.
I've done both I don't wish to repeat either.
I've also been straight up alert in big bear country a few times. The big bears are awe inspiring.
The most worried I've ever been in an animal situation was with a herd of agitated cow elephant. Those girls will try to cut your wind and methodically hunt you down and kill you.
I'd take on a wounded dagga boy cape buffalo bull any day over a herd of po'ed cow elephant.
I've done both I don't wish to repeat either.
I've also been straight up alert in big bear country a few times. The big bears are awe inspiring.
kserg
Member
werewolf are pretty scary... unless you have a silver bullet...
Zombie...
No, zombies are not the most dangerous.... I was referring to this thread... revived from the dead.
Someone said:
There is a lot of truth to this. In times of famine, lone wolves have been known, (and video taped) to attack and kill brownies. Most times these are young, old, or wounded bears, and the wolf is acting out of desperation, but they are still big bears. Pound for pound, the wolf is one of the most capable
predators on the planet, weather alone and even more so in as part of a pack. They are after all, the most successful predators on the planet next to humans.
Also, as a side note, from what I have read, Leopards are the most dangerous animal when wounded. They are statistically more likely to charge their attacker than any other animal if wounded.
No, zombies are not the most dangerous.... I was referring to this thread... revived from the dead.
Someone said:
There is a lot of truth to this. In times of famine, lone wolves have been known, (and video taped) to attack and kill brownies. Most times these are young, old, or wounded bears, and the wolf is acting out of desperation, but they are still big bears. Pound for pound, the wolf is one of the most capable
predators on the planet, weather alone and even more so in as part of a pack. They are after all, the most successful predators on the planet next to humans.
Also, as a side note, from what I have read, Leopards are the most dangerous animal when wounded. They are statistically more likely to charge their attacker than any other animal if wounded.
hrgrisso
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Snakes
While many venemous (yes venemous not poisonous) snakes have been mentioned I believe the constrictor class of snakes should be VERY high on the list. Not as high as polar bears but Pythons and Anacondas fear nothing. They may be bushwhackers, but it works. I've seen pics with men, dogs, and even mature big cats in the stomachs of large snakes.
A friend of the family back in the fifties was in the bush in South Africa when he was dropped on by a large ?Python?. It took his guides a long time to cut the snake off him, they said the only thing that saved his life was his old service pistol on his hip (he'd been in the Army Air Corps with my dad) pushing against his metal frame pack on one side, and his camera and case on the other. Broke many bones in his body in just a few minutes. Thats power!
In fact I'm VERY interested to see what happens in Florida in the next thirty years as the growing problem of Pythons develops even more in the everglades. I think everyone saw the pic of the 13 foot python and the 12 foot aligator. There are 15 foot snakes now. What happens when they reach the size that they do in their natural habitats?
I think it's time Florida starts a Python season!
While many venemous (yes venemous not poisonous) snakes have been mentioned I believe the constrictor class of snakes should be VERY high on the list. Not as high as polar bears but Pythons and Anacondas fear nothing. They may be bushwhackers, but it works. I've seen pics with men, dogs, and even mature big cats in the stomachs of large snakes.
A friend of the family back in the fifties was in the bush in South Africa when he was dropped on by a large ?Python?. It took his guides a long time to cut the snake off him, they said the only thing that saved his life was his old service pistol on his hip (he'd been in the Army Air Corps with my dad) pushing against his metal frame pack on one side, and his camera and case on the other. Broke many bones in his body in just a few minutes. Thats power!
In fact I'm VERY interested to see what happens in Florida in the next thirty years as the growing problem of Pythons develops even more in the everglades. I think everyone saw the pic of the 13 foot python and the 12 foot aligator. There are 15 foot snakes now. What happens when they reach the size that they do in their natural habitats?
I think it's time Florida starts a Python season!
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