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Which Animals Prey on Humans?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Several animals can and do prey on humans. To reassure readers and promote conservation efforts, many sources state that these animals only do so when they are hungry and there is nothing else available, but this isn't always the case. Animals that have been reported to attack humans for food include three of the four big cats (lion, tiger, and leopard; jaguars are not known to eat people, but will attack them if disturbed), the American Black Bear, the polar bear (world's largest land predator), wolves (especially the Grey Wolf), jackals, large crocodiles and alligators (especially the saltwater and Nile crocodile), large sharks (especially the great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark), and the Komodo dragon.

All of these animals have been around for millions of years, surviving through difficult times like Ice Ages. To survive in challenging conditions, predators must eat anything they can overpower, so evolution has crafted these animals to be efficient killers. What's more, predators exist on top of the food chain, meaning they depend on a substantial supply of prey. When conditions get harsh in a region, apex predators are usually the first to die off, because they are more likely to starve by being unable to find prey than prey is likely to starve from being unable to find its own food, like smaller prey or plants. All these forces optimize predators for aggression and dietary flexibility.

Lions are known to prey on humans.
Lions are known to prey on humans.

All instances where animals prey on human depend strongly on the species involved and the size of the humans. Jackals, for instance, are small enough that they usually only attack children, since attempting to prey on adults would probably be too difficult. Grey wolves, on the other hand, are larger and may attack humans for food, especially when hungry, as is highly documented in European folklore. The human fear of wolves led to massive extermination campaigns that wiped them out across much of their former range within Europe.

The American Black Bear may see people as a food source.
The American Black Bear may see people as a food source.

Most bears only attack humans to protect their cubs (especially grizzly bears) or for territorial reasons, but predatory kills have been reported, most frequently from the American black bear. Pepper spray is recommended as protection from these animals, though usually yelling loudly is enough to scare them off.

The most lethal predators of humans are tigers and saltwater crocodiles. The Champawat tiger, a female Bengal tiger shot in 1907, was responsible for over 400 documented deaths in Nepal and India before she was shot by Jim Corbett. One saltwater crocodile, Gustave, a 20 foot (6 meter) Nile crocodile living in Burundi, Africa, has been rumored to have killed over 300 people. Although this figure is exaggerated, the crocodile has probably killed at least 100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of animals are known to prey on humans?

Wolves have been known to prey on people.
Wolves have been known to prey on people.

Large predators such as lions, tigers, leopards, and crocodiles have been known to prey on humans. In certain regions, sharks, such as the great white, bull, and tiger sharks, are responsible for attacks on humans. Additionally, bears, particularly polar and grizzly bears, can also pose a threat to humans when they feel threatened or are in search of food.

How common are animal attacks on humans?

One female Bengal tiger was responsible for over 400 deaths in India and Nepal before being shot in 1907.
One female Bengal tiger was responsible for over 400 deaths in India and Nepal before being shot in 1907.

Animal attacks on humans are relatively rare, with the likelihood of being killed by a predator being significantly lower than other risks. For instance, the International Shark Attack File reports an average of 80 shark attacks globally per year, with a fraction being fatal. Human-wildlife conflict is more common in areas where human populations encroach on animal habitats.

Are there any animals that specifically hunt humans?

Polar bears may look cute, but they're extremely dangerous and will prey on humans.
Polar bears may look cute, but they're extremely dangerous and will prey on humans.

No animal species are known to specifically hunt humans as a primary food source. However, some animals may develop opportunistic behavior if they associate humans with food, leading to isolated incidents. Predatory attacks on humans are typically a result of mistaken identity, territorial defense, or in rare cases, a learned behavior from repeated exposure to human presence.

What should I do to prevent being preyed upon by wild animals?

Crocodiles prey on humans.
Crocodiles prey on humans.

To minimize the risk of being preyed upon by wild animals, it's crucial to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in areas known for wildlife. Avoid traveling alone in predator habitats, keep food stored securely, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Following local guidelines and wildlife advisories can significantly reduce the chances of an encounter.

Which regions have the highest incidence of predatory attacks on humans?

Leopards, which eat and sleep in trees, have been known to prey on humans.
Leopards, which eat and sleep in trees, have been known to prey on humans.

Regions with the highest incidence of predatory attacks on humans are often those where large carnivores are prevalent and human populations live in close proximity to wildlife. For example, parts of Africa and Asia with lion and tiger populations, respectively, report higher instances of attacks. Similarly, North America has occurrences of bear and alligator attacks in certain areas.

How are human activities impacting the frequency of animal attacks?

Pepper spray may be helpful when out in the wilderness.
Pepper spray may be helpful when out in the wilderness.

Human activities such as habitat destruction, climate change, and encroachment into wildlife territories are increasing the frequency of animal attacks. As natural prey becomes scarce and habitats shrink, animals may venture closer to human settlements in search of food, leading to more encounters. Responsible environmental stewardship and coexistence strategies are essential to mitigate this issue.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon994533

Sharks don't prey on humans. Generally speaking when a shark attacks a human it's because of a case of mistaken identity or if they believe you're competition for their prey (e.g. if you're spearfishing). Sharks usually back off after the first bite, and the human being bitten will often times lead to death because of the trauma, blood loss, etc.

I have never read of a shark attack where the shark munches on the human and actually eats the entire person, or really continues to eat after the initial bite.

anon158585

there has never been a documented case of a wolf attacking a human, let alone preying on them.

anon118220

Note: The number one hunter of the animal described above including the nile crocodile and Bengal Tiger were humans. The most successful hunter of all times despite the many abilities of the various animals stated above are humans. The fact that a few of the animals went and attacked humans for whatever the reason lead to their species pushed to the brink of destruction.

We have been more dangerous to ourselves as a species than all these combined with the exception of maybe disease (bacteria) that may have caused more death among humans.

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    • Lions are known to prey on humans.
      By: Michael Ireland
      Lions are known to prey on humans.
    • The American Black Bear may see people as a food source.
      By: nialat
      The American Black Bear may see people as a food source.
    • Wolves have been known to prey on people.
      By: JackF
      Wolves have been known to prey on people.
    • One female Bengal tiger was responsible for over 400 deaths in India and Nepal before being shot in 1907.
      By: StarJumper
      One female Bengal tiger was responsible for over 400 deaths in India and Nepal before being shot in 1907.
    • Polar bears may look cute, but they're extremely dangerous and will prey on humans.
      By: ILYA AKINSHIN
      Polar bears may look cute, but they're extremely dangerous and will prey on humans.
    • Crocodiles prey on humans.
      Crocodiles prey on humans.
    • Leopards, which eat and sleep in trees, have been known to prey on humans.
      By: Yulia Romanova
      Leopards, which eat and sleep in trees, have been known to prey on humans.
    • Pepper spray may be helpful when out in the wilderness.
      By: abhbah05
      Pepper spray may be helpful when out in the wilderness.
    • Great white sharks are one of the few species that have attacked humans.
      By: Kevin Browne
      Great white sharks are one of the few species that have attacked humans.
    • Large sharks like the tiger shark have been known to occasionally prey on humans.
      By: Ian Scott
      Large sharks like the tiger shark have been known to occasionally prey on humans.
    • Great white sharks and other sharks have killed or severely injured people in the ocean.
      By: Uryadnikov Sergey
      Great white sharks and other sharks have killed or severely injured people in the ocean.