Australia…Land Of Nope
The Megabat
This isn’t just one bat that happened to fall into some radioactive waste, no, there are entire species of giant bats flying across Australia. The Megabat, also aptly known at the Flying Fox, has been known to have wingspans measuring 5.6ft! That’s taller than some humans. Luckily for visitors and natives alike, the animals are only interested in fruit, seeds, and nectar. They pose no physical threats to humans, but seeing one unexpectedly will, for sure, send someone running in the other direction.
The Megabat
The Land Of Lizards
Australia is home to a variety of intimidating lizards, with names like Gila Monster, Filled Lizard, and Thorny Devil. Scientists previously thought only two species of venomous lizards existed in the world; however, they have just discovered two more, both in Australia. Thankfully, these lizards don’t produce enough venom to do any real harm. The real danger is in the sheer size of these lizards can reach. Pictured above is a Goanna, the modern-day equivalent to a dinosaur. One subspecies of the Goanna is known to grow over 8.2ft long.
Land Of Lizards
Lizard Eating Spider
This terrifying creature is called the Huntsman Spider, but it also goes by the name Lizard Eating Spider. Yes, Lizard-Eating Spider. This spider is capable of killing lizards, rats, and other small creatures. Despite its nightmarish appearance, the Hunstams Spider actually isn’t considered dangerous as it has no venom and is not hostile towards humans. As long as you don’t bother it, it won’t bother you. Many Australians even welcome the presence of these spiders on their property to keep away nuisance animals like cockroaches.
Lizard Eating Spider
Nothing to See Here
Is Is anyone else scratching Australia off their bucket list yet? The behemoth in this photo is Australia’s Olive Python, named after their usual olive green complexion. These snakes can grow to be 13ft in length and prey on small-sized mammals such as pigeons and ducks but have also been known to take on full-grown crocodiles as well. Unable to chew, once the snake has suffocated its prey by wrapping its body around, it precedes to consume its prey in one single swallow.
Nothing To See Here
Killer Pine Cones
As if the plethora of dangerous animals wasn’t enough, people in Australia have to worry about giant pine cones as well. The Araucaria Bidwillii Tree, also known as the Bunya Tine, can grow over 100 ft tall and have pine cones weighing up to 40lbs! These falling pine cones have been known to seriously injure and even kill people, resulting in people fencing off the area in which the trees grow. If you’re lucky to find a pine cone that has already fallen, the nuts inside can be eaten raw or steeped to make a delicious tea. The entire pinecone can even be ground up and turned into bread.
Killer Pine Cones
That’s One Massive ‘Roo
It is not uncommon for kangaroos to look like a dedicated gym buff. Despite being fuzzy and adorable, kangaroos are formidable animals that can reach over 61/2ft in height and weigh over 200lbs. A single kick from a kangaroo can easily kill a human being, and they have nails that can do some severe damage as well. Although you may have the urge to run up to a ‘roo and give it a big hug, it is not advised. Kangaroos are wild animals that best to be enjoyed at a distance.
Thats One Massive ‘Roo
The Saltwater Crocodile
The riverbanks of Australia should be avoided, especially during the summer months, as that is when these crocodiles are most active. An impressive, yet lazy predator, Saltwater Crocodiles prefer to ambush their prey rather than give chase. They lie in wait below the waterline at riverbanks and strike with lightning speed when prey approaches. Crocodiles are not picky eaters and are known to eat a variety of animals, small and large alike. If their prey is not small enough to swallow whole, they will drag the unfortunate animal down to the bottom of the river and wait for it to drown before devouring it.
Salt Water Crocodile
Wait, Let’s Take a Picture First
Luckily, for our entertainment, these parents decided to take a picture before saving their child. The insect in the image above belongs in the Stick Insect family, and as you can see, it can reach over a foot in length. This scary bug is only one of the estimated 250,000 insect species in Australia. The land down under has so many insects that half of them are yet to be named! Although the vast majority can’t harm you, it’s probably best to stay away from them altogether.
Wait, Let’s Take A Picture First
Spider Frost
By now, we are sure the Arachnaphobes reading have canceled their trips to Australia. This eerie “frost” is actually the intertwining webs of thousands of spiders. This phenomenon generally occurs after periods of high rain or flood when spiders need to flee for higher ground. This devilish form of “frost” can cover vast areas, making fields, homes, and parks look like a fresh blanket of snow had just fallen. The sight makes real snow seem not as bad after all.
Spider Frost
Nope
What is worse than a spider the size of a frisbee? A spider the size of a frisbee that just had hundreds of babies. No job is worth dealing with this monstrous mama. The poor electrician with the unfortunate task of dealing with this building probably took one look at that spider nest, turned around, and got back in their work van. The entire building should just be thrown away at this point. Just throw it away and rebuild a new one.
Nope
I’ll Hold It In
It’s possible to never use the bathroom again, right? After seeing this, it’s safe to assume most readers will be holding it in for some time. The only silver lining here is that this unlucky person spotted the sneaky snake before sitting down. Australians must be a smart crowd, as destroying the toilet was the only acceptable option in this situation. It is pretty safe to assume this unfortunate soul won’t ever be looking at toilets the same way again.
I’ll Hold It In
Uber Driver
Why hop when you can catch a ride on a deadly predator? It is unclear whether the toads in this picture are brave, not very smart, or perhaps a combination of both. Surprisingly, the most dangerous animal to humans in this picture is not the snake. Cane toads produce a toxin that, while not deadly to humans, is capable of killing cats and dogs. Humans should also avoid handling the toad as the toxin can cause skin and bowel irritation in humans.
Uber Driver
Exploding Whales
That’s right, Australia has exploding whales. Or, more accurately, this whale carcass floating off the coast of Australia is in the middle of the decomposition process. The bacteria inside the corpse is releasing a gas that is building up in the well-insulated body of the deceased whale. It’s possible that the pressure from the gas will tear a small hole in the animal, through which air can slowly pass, but if not, this whale’s carcass will continue to expand until an explosion occurs. With any luck, it’ll float far enough away before that happens.
Exploding Whale
Neon Slugs
The bright pink slug pictured above is only known by Triboniophorus aff. Graeffei. It is a newly discovered slug located specifically on Mount Kaputar, an extinct volcano located in south-eastern Australia. This mountain is 1,500 ft above sea level and is home to several unique creatures like our neon friend above. Scientists are torn on why the slug is so brightly colored. Some believe it is to blend in with fallen leaves, while others think, because this slug only lives on a mountain top, it has no reason to hide.
Neon Slugs
Snake-Eating Frogs
The Australian Green Frog is one amphibian that does not mess around. This large species of frogs had been known to eat bats, other frogs, and, as you can see, venomous snakes as well. These frogs have no fear and have no reservations about venturing near human homes. Although they may not be pretty, they may be worth keeping around in case any snakes come wandering around. They are nocturnal too, so think of them as your armed guard.
Snake Eating Frog
Thrift Store Find
The most disturbing part of this photo is that Grandma and Grandpa don’t look the least bit bothered by wrangling up this unwanted customer. Apparently, snake control is just a part of their store’s daily routine. If you’re not okay with casually bumping into a 10-foot snake while going about your errands, you may want to reconsider your plans to visit Australia. Maybe Grandma is going to keep him and use him as a measuring tape for her customers.
Thrift Store Find
A Hairy Caterpillar Parade
These furry critters are called Pine Processionary Caterpillars, and it would appear these insects are holding a parade of some kind. In actuality, these caterpillars are searching for a pupation site where they will build their cocoons and eventually turn into moths. These caterpillars leave a pheromone trail behind for their fellow friends to follow. Although these caterpillar parades are certainly a unique site, don’t get too close. Touching one of these guys can cause severe skin irritation and leave behind a nasty rash.
A Hairy Caterpillar Parade
Is That A Snake?
At first glance, it may look like a snake, but this is actually a giant earthworm, or Digaster longmani if you want to be technical. This worm has no skeleton, no eyes, and no lungs, but it does possess five hearts, which it uses to pump fluid around its body. Although it poses no threat to humans, it’s still not something most people would want to see hanging around their garden. Luckily these massive worms, which can grow to be up to 3ft long, prefer to live deep underground. Only after heavy rain will you see these worms above ground.
Is That A Snake?
No Thanks, I’ll Walk
Someone needs to hand an “Out of Order” sign on that fuel pump. Apparently, in Australia, a task as mundane as filling up your fuel tank has the potential to kill you. How that snake got there is a mystery, but let us all hope that nobody had the misfortune of using that fuel pump. By the looks of his head, it would appear this snake is a python and not of the poisonous variety, making him slightly less dangerous to handle. Any volunteers?
No Thanks, I’ll Walk
Out Of This World
This alien-like creature is actually a sea anemone, or more specifically, the Striped (sometimes known as Armored) Anemone. If you think this creature looks dangerous, then you would be absolutely right. These anemones possess a potent toxin that can cause severe burning sensations and take months to heal. This animal even has the ability to shoot the toxin, so it is best advised to not go anywhere near it, including the seemingly dead ones that wash up on the beach.
Out Of This World
Heart Attack-Inducing Sign
“Oh look, a sign. I wonder what the other side of that sign says…. Oh, no.” Whoever had the misfortune of reading this sign after traipsing around the other side of it, must have felt their heart fall into their stomach. Tiger Snakes, known for their striped pattern, are venomous animals and extremely dangerous to humans. They are aggressive snakes, and their bite, if not treated right away, can cause muscle weakness and lung failure. Perhaps the back of the sign needs a warning as well.
Heart Attack Inducing Sign
Just A Snack
Just a crocodile eating a shark, no big deal. If you’re wondering what exactly is going on in this picture, it is a Salt Water Crocodile eating a juvenile Bull Shark. Bull Sharks are the only species of shark that can transition from salt to fresh water, and that is how this poor shark came to be in this Crocodile’s freshwater territory. Oddly enough, both animals are known to eat just about anything. It makes you wonder if there’s a full-grown Bull Shark eating a juvenile crocodile somewhere in Australia.
Just A Snack
No, No, No, No
Not even your shoes are safe in the land down under. Always double-check your footwear while staying in Australia, or, better yet, move to the Arctic Tundra where there is no possibility of something like this happening. An unsuspecting snake bite to the foot has to be the worst way to start your day. And, since it’s Australia after all, the snake is most likely venomous. Might as well go to sleep with your shoes on, just to be safe.
No, No, No, No
Thanks For The Snack, Mom
That little guy hanging out with the chips and apple is one of the most lethal snakes in the world. It is known as a Taipan and, depending on what subspecies it is, is either the second or third deadliest land-snake in the world. A single bite from this snake can kill a grown man in less than 30 minutes. So imagine little Timmy’s surprise when he sat down for a delicious lunch and was met with this frightening sight. Yikes!
Thanks For The Snack, Mom
Window-Shattering Hail
In March of 2019, the Sydney area experienced a freak hailstorm where hail, some the size of a human palm, rained down on the area causing tremendous damage. Insurance companies were inundated with phone calls as the hail battered homes, cars, and even people. The strangest part of this seemingly unique story is that it wasn’t the first. Sydney experienced a similar storm only months before in December 2018. Locals say the same massive hail pummeled the city, only for the storm to clear and the sun to come out five minutes later.
Window Shattering Hail
Where’s that Shadow Coming From?
Imagine coming home from a long day at work, sitting down to enjoy a hot meal, and a strange shadow falls across the table. Curious, you search around for the source of the shadow. You look left, you look right, and then you look up… only to find the shock of a lifetime hovering above you. It’s safe to say dinner in the household that night was not a peaceful one. It makes you wonder where else unwanted intruders may be hiding.
Where’s That Shadow Coming From
Always Check Before You Sit
If you only take one thing away from this list, it has to be to always check the toilets in Australia before you use them. The unsuspecting person who found this site most likely no longer has use for a toilet as they probably wet their pants upon finding this sneaky snake. Luckily, this snake is a python and contains no venom, supposedly making it easier to relocate. Best to be safe and call a professional in for this one, though.
Always Check Before You Sit
Never Touch Wild Animals
See how the person in the photo is holding the octopus? Don’t do that. This is the Blue Ringed Octopus and is highly venemous and dangerous to humans. The bright blue rings on its body only light up when the animals feel threatened. If the octopus continues to feel endangered, it will bite. Its bite can cause respiratory arrest, heart failure, paralysis, blindness, and even death. Death will most likely occur from paralysis of the diaphragm. Look out for tide pools where this cute, but extremely dangerous animal prefers to reside.
Never Touch Wild Animals
Fish Eating Insect
Yes, those words are in the right order. Behold, Australia’s Giant Water Bug, named after its sheer size and habitat. This bug has been known to eat turtles, fish, and even small snakes. Much like our Salt Water Crocodile friend, it lies in wait when hunting, preferring the element of surprise rather than chase its prey. The Giant Water Bug’s bite carries venomous saliva that, while not a medical danger to humans, can be excruciating. They have also been known to play dead, so don’t try picking one up just because it’s not moving, or you may be in for a painful surprise.
Fish Eating Insect
The Badge Huntsman
The most terrifying part of this picture is that the spider is on the inside of the house. It’s time to pack up and move out! This colossal creature is the Badge Huntsman, named after the badge shaped marking on its underside. If the sight on one doesn’t make you faint, then they are actually useful animals to have around. They eat pesky insects such as mosquitoes and centipedes. While we doubt anyone is running up to pet one of these creatures, it should be warned to stay away from them as their bite is painful and can cause severe swelling and nausea.
The Badge Huntsman
What’s Going On Here?
The snake is eating Dracula! How this python was able to catch a flying creature is unclear, but this is truly a disturbing sight to see. This poor bat must have gotten tired and decided to take a nap a little too close to the ground. Big mistake. While it is clear that this bat met with a horrifying and gruesome ending, hopefully his bat friends learned a lesson from this. Always find a place to sleep high off the ground.
What’s Going On Here
Sand Castle
Pictured here is a colossal termite mound built by (surprise, surprise) mound-building termites. The King and Queen of the termite colony live in luxury underground while the “working-class’ termites labor to create this impressive structure. A termite mound of this size is the equivalent of humans building a structure that reached six miles into the air! Like everything else in Australia, don’t wander too close to an active termite mound as the soldier termites deal a painful bite, and there won’t be just one out to get you.
Sand Castle
I’ll Just Eat It Cold, Thanks
It seems there is no shortage of terrifying, unwelcome guests in Australian homes. Someone should start asking these invasive creatures to pay rent. Luckily for the homeowner in this picture, they had the lights on when they discovered this creepy-crawler in their kitchen. Imagine going to pop some popcorn for a movie late at night. You don’t bother turning the lights on, as you’ve done this a million times before, and you reach out to grab the microwave door…. Are your hairs standing on end yet?
I’ll Just Eat It Cold, Thanks
Box Jellyfish
The box jellyfish is considered the most venomous marine animal in the world. These creatures can have up to 15 tentacles measuring 10ft long. The sting from the box jellyfish is known to be exceedingly painful, causing swimmers to go into shock and drown. If you somehow avoid going into shock, immediate medical attention is necessary as heart failure is imminent. Even armed with this knowledge, it is hard to avoid the box jellyfish as it is nearly translucent and blends in with the water.
Box Jellyfish
Bull Shark
Just like humans, Bull Sharks enjoy warm, shallow waters, making them a threat to beach-goers. They are known to travel up rivers and linger in estuaries and areas where the water is less than 100ft deep. While shark attacks are rare, the majority of shark bites come from Bull Sharks. Unlike most sharks, these animals are highly aggressive and are known to eat just about anything. Studies have shown that this predator is attracted to bright colors, so best play it safe and pack your black bathing suit for your trip down under.
Bull Shark
Net Casting Spider
This spider hangs upside-down in trees at night with a net held in its four front legs and waits for something to walk below it. When unsuspecting prey wanders beneath this spider, the spider launches forward and entraps the prey in its net. Once trapped, the spider paralyzes the animal by biting it and then consumes it. What happens if the spider goes all night without catching anything? No worries. It just eat its net and wait for the next night to come.
Net Casting Spider
Shoo-Fly
There are an estimated 30,000 different types of flies and mosquitoes in Australia. Forget spiders, crocodiles, and snakes; that statistic alone is enough to make a person stay at home. These annoying creatures are everywhere in Australia and are nearly impossible to get rid of. Interestingly enough, it is generally only the females that bother humans. Males live long enough to mate while the females need to live long enough to produce their eggs. They need protein, and our nutritious blood is a siren call for these pests.
Flies!
Black Portuguese Millipedes
This disgusting creature is known as the Black Portuguese Millipede and is actually not indigenous to Australia. These millipedes were introduced to the land down under in 1953. They have no natural predators in Australia (who would want to eat that?), so their population has flourished. They are considered a nuisance by Australians and are known to invade homes and businesses. These millipedes are so abundant that their presence on a rail-road track was partly to blame for a train crash in 2013.
Black Portuguese Millipedes
Even The Seashells Are Dangerous
Okay, technically, it’s not a seashell. This is a Cone Shell, also known as a Cone Snail. They are aquatic snails that live in beautifully patterned shells and are highly venomous, so be careful next time you’re taking a leisurely stroll on the beach and see a pretty shell. The sting from the animal is excruciating and can cause nausea and vomiting. A sting from certain species of Cone Snails can even be fatal. If you have the misfortune of being stung by one, seek medical attention right away.
Even The Seashells Are Dangerous
Is That A Rock?
That’s not a rock, but it is a StoneFish. It would be advised to look out for these creatures when enjoying the beaches of Australia, but they’re nearly impossible to detect. The StoneFish gets its name from its impressive camouflage. Unlike most animals, this fish doesn’t bother fleeing if it’s disturbed or if it feels threatened. Instead, the StoneFish erects its venomous spines located on the top of its body. These spines are sharp and can even pierce through shoes. Their sting can be fatal, and medical attention should be sought right away.
Stonefish
Look Before You Put These On
Most of us don’t look inside of our tennis shoes before we put them on, but if you live in Australia…well, you might want to start doing it. As you can see right here, this woman had a scary surprise when she looked inside of her tennis shoe in the form of a snake. Though it looks small, we still don’t want to take a chance with an Australian snake!
Snake In A Shoe
Even the Ocean’s Are Scary
Australia is an island, and the middle of the country is pretty much a barren wasteland. So, all of the major cities in the “Land Down Under” are near the coast. This means, of course, that you will definitely be out on the water at some point, but be warned…in Australia, even the oceans are angry and scary!
Angry Waves
Round of Golf? Not so Fast
This isn’t exactly scary, but how are you supposed to spend a day on the golf course if you have to contend with this group of kangaroos? This is definitely something that we don’t have to deal with in the US, and though these guys are pretty cute, they could still be a bit dangerous. You don’t want to mess with an angry kangaroo, so it’s best to skip the hole and move on to the next one.
Round Of Golf?
At Least They Warn You
Australia is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, and visitors to Oz are certainly eager to get into the water. But, what would you do if you were running to the waves and you saw this sign? At least they are giving us fair warning that there are giant jelly fish in the water that are out to get us and wrap their stinging tentacles around our legs…no thanks. We will pass on this and go get an ice cream instead.
Fair Warning?
Australia Takes it to Extremes
We seriously don’t even know how people can survive in Australia! This country really takes everything to extremes, including its storms. Just look at this massive lightning storm that is blowing up the sky. It literally looks like it is trying to destroy the land right underneath it. If you see this, take cover. The lightning is just one more thing in Australia that could kill you.
Lightning Storms
Imagine Seeing This…
Think about this…you go out into the garage to start up your car…and you are greeted with a small, dark figure with scary, glowing eyes. Your eyes finally adjust to the dark, and you see this koala, which looks possessed, staring back at you. Koala’s certainly are cute, but they can be pretty mean, from what we understand, and you definitely don’t want to mess with them…even when they are sitting on top of your car.
Possessed…
Australia is WAY too Hot
If you don’t like the heat, you definitely don’t want to think about visiting Australia. It is pretty hot, especially in the northern part of the country, and when there is a heat wave, watch out! The highest recorded temp in Australia was 123 F, and the coldest it has ever been is about 17 degrees F. What? Much of the northern US spends the entire winter at temperatures below 17 degrees F!
Oh No…the Heat
Now, a Snake Eating Spider…
We have already shown you a spider that eats lizards, right? Well, in Australia, there are also spiders that can eat an entire snake! We aren’t kidding, and we have photographic evidence to prove it! Can you believe this? This spider is seriously eating this snake, and it actually looks like it is enjoying it’s meal. We will pass on this dinner…
Spider Eating A Snake
Wait, It Gets Worse
We guess eating a snake or a lizard isn’t that bad…especially now that we have seen this! If you don’t quite know what you are seeing right now, it is literally a huge spider, and it is eating a bird! You can see the beak clear as day, and you can also see that the bird is much bigger than the spider. This is really terrifying! But, is there something worse? Oh yes…
Snake Eating A Bird
Who Do We Cheer For?
In a fight between evil versus evil, who do you cheer for? Here, you can see a spider and a scorpion, and it looks like the spider is eating the scorpion. We don’t even know who to cheer for in a fight like this. We don’t like spiders and we don’t like scorpions, so what do we do? Probably just hope that they take each other out.
Spider Eating A Scorpion
There is No Escape
Even if you try to leave Australia, you might have trouble, because all of the nasty critters here only want you to stay. This helicopter pilot has found himself in a precarious situation because a crocodile is trying to stop him from taking off! You really cannot make this stuff up when it comes to Australia and its crazy creatures.
Crocodile Chasing A Helicopter
Stay Away from the Beach
Here’s another good reason to stay away from the beach in Australia, and some more proof of the mega storms that often plague the Land Down Under. Here, you can certainly see a storm rolling in, and it certainly looks like a doozy. If you see this in the sky, it’s best to take cover, as these storms can be extremely dangerous.
The Storm Rolling In
Is this the Most Massive Jellyfish?
We have already seen some jellyfish on this list, but this one might take the cake in regard to size. We have no idea what we would do if we were walking along the beach and saw this massive creature. We do know that we would not be as brave as these boys, who look like they are about to touch this blob of jellyfish.
Jellyfish
Even the Birds are Scary
At first glance, you might think that a bird like a magpie couldn’t possibly be dangerous, but this photo will definitely prove you wrong. As you can see, this magpie certainly didn’t appreciate the photographer getting too close, and it definitely didn’t want its picture taken. Even though we are pretty sure the photographer got a shock, we can also admit that this is a really neat photo.
Crazy Magpie
Take Cover!
When it storms in Australia, not only do you have to worry about the rain, the wind, and the lightning, but you also have to worry about this massive hail! In this photo, you can see how huge this hail is, as the photographer was smart enough to place two billiard balls next to the hail. That would really hurt if it hit you, and we are certain that it could do a lot of property damage.
Huge Hail
No Thanks!
And, here’s yet another reason not to go into the water. This sign, from a beach in Western Australia, is all the warning we need to keep our feet in the sand and out of the water. The effects of stepping on one of these fish certainly do not sound pleasant, especially the excruciating pain part. We will skip a day at the beach this time around.
Stonefish
It Keeps Getting Worse
Snakes, spiders, scorpions, stonefish…it just keeps getting worse now that we are throwing these beetles into the bunch. Can you imagine taking a walk down by the water and getting covered in all of these beetles? Just thinking about it is giving us the chills, and we don’t like insects on the best of days, so like everything else in Australia…we will pass on this, too.
Beetles Over The Water
What’s So Dangerous About This?
At first glance, this doesn’t look like anything dangerous. You see a charming older gentleman who is kneeling down next to a green plant. However, this plant is known as a Gympie-Gympie, and it is one of the most venomous plants in the world. It has a horribly painful sting, and it causes extreme itching and hives. We hope that this gentleman doesn’t get too close to this Gympie-Gympie, and that he knows what it really is.
Gympie Gympies
Cute, but Dangerous
The bad thing about Australia is that even the cutest creatures, like koalas, can be dangerous, and you can add a platypus to that list, too. Though this little guy looks incredibly adorable, this male platypus has barbs behind his feet that excrete a venom. If you get in contact with this venom, you can expect excruciating pain, that, according to people who have experienced it, barely gets better even with high doses of morphine.
Platypus
The Dingoes
If all of this wasn’t enough, you also have to deal with the dingo. You might know the famous story about the dingo who actually stole and ate a human child back in the 1980s. This is a true story, and it is also true that this dingo thinks nothing of dining on this shark. Definitely watch out for these creatures if you venture into Australia, and once again…you might want to consider skipping the beach!
Dingo Eating A Shark
