Cute but deadly: watch out for these animals with record-breaking powers!
Don’t be fooled by the cuteness of these animals, with their big eyes, fluffy fur or bright colours – they are actually way more dangerous than you’d think.
All of the toxic critters in this article could seriously endanger your health if you dared to get too close to them!
But hey, they’re still adorable to look at from afar, aren’t they?
Let’s get to know these magnificent creatures and discover the world records they hold…
And you can find out more fun facts about the world's most amazing animals, in our latest book Guinness World Records Wild Things - OUT NOW!
Pufferfish
Starting with the pufferfish of the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific region, the world’s most poisonous edible fish!
Contrary to what one might think, pufferfish do not inject venom or actively expel poison from their spikes. Instead, the poison is found in certain parts on the inside of their body.
In fact, less than 0.1 g (0.004 oz) of the toxin stored inside them can kill an adult within just 20 minutes…
Have you ever seen one in real life?
Golden poison-dart frog
This tiny yellow creature is the world’s most poisonous frog, as it contains enough toxin to kill 10 adult humans – or 20,000 mice!
The name of the poison? Batrachotoxin, and even in the tiniest quantities it can cause a body to be completely unable to move, and to die.
This is also the largest poison-dart frog in the world, even though it’s only 4-5 cm (1.5-2 in) long.
Gila monster
The Gila monster is the world’s most venomous lizard, and it lives in Mexico and south-western USA. It has venom glands in its lower jaws and carries enough toxin to kill 2 people.
It might seem scary, but really, it only attacks when provoked – otherwise, it’ll leave you alone and mind its own business.
Platypus
Aren’t platypuses adorable?
They are also the lightest egg-laying mammals, as well as one of the very few venomous mammals in existence.
They deliver their poison via a sharp spur near their heels and, although the sting doesn’t kill humans, it’s dangerous to smaller mammals such as dogs.
So dogs and platypuses – not exactly ideal playmates… good to know!
Pygmy slow loris
Perhaps the most deceivingly adorable animal on this list is the smallest species of loris, the pygmy low loris!
It lives in Cambodia, China, Laos and Vietnam, and it looks so cute with its big eyes, sweet smile and button nose…
But watch out, as it secretes toxins from patches on its elbows! After licking, the chemicals transfer to its needle-sharp teeth. The result? A lethal bite.
Couple that with a 4-pawed iron grip, and suddenly they don’t seem all that cute anymore!
Hooded pitohui
Living in Papua New Guinea, this innocent-looking songster is the most poisonous bird in the world!
Scientists discovered its poison by accident in 1990, while they were preparing some of the species as museum exhibits. Its skin and feathers contain the same toxin as the dart frogs – WOW.