The 5 Most Dangerous Animals of India

While every country has its own fair share of dangers, India is home to some of the deadliest animals on the planet. For those wishing to travel to India — particularly away from its densely populated areas — it is important to know which animals are most harmful.

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Snakes

India, like many other regions of the world, encounters most of its animal-based deaths each year from snakes. Species like the King Cobra and the Common Krait have lethal venom and are among the most deadly.

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Mosquitos

While small in size, mosquitos are thought to cause more than 200,000 deaths in the country each year. These insects often spread dengue fever and malaria, making bug spray a must-have item for all visitors.

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Stray Dogs

While other animals stay away from the cities, stray dogs flock toward them, scavenging for discarded food. While some may not be a threat, others are often rabid and should be avoided.

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Elephants

While elephants are typically docile creatures, wild elephants feeling threatened can charge and trample humans. Although the number of deaths decreased due to poaching, visitors should still take caution when spotting them.

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Bengal Tigers

Found largely in the Sundurbans in East India, where more than 600 of these animals live, the Bengal tiger takes the lives of thousands each year.