Top 5 Most Deadly Pets

Owning exotic and unusual pets might seem exciting, but it's a dangerous game. Imagine having a venomous snake or a powerful big cat in your home — these creatures are not meant for domestic life. Let's uncover the most dangerous animals people often keep as pets, you might want to reconsider before welcoming one into your home!

Reptiles

Despite the allure of owning exotic pets like boa constrictors, rattlesnakes, and pythons, these large snakes collectively kill one person per year in the United States. According to the Humane Society of the U.S., exotic reptiles caused 18 deaths between 1990 and 2011.

A tragic, unusual example occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, where a 16-foot African rock python escaped from a pet store, got into an air duct, ended up in the apartment above the store and strangled two young brothers, ages 4 and 6, in their sleep.

Big Cats

Lions, tigers, and other big cats are often admired for their majestic appearance, but their strength and predatory instincts make them incredibly dangerous pets. Many incidents of attacks on owners underscore the risks of keeping these powerful animals.

In 2005, Al Abell from Hardin County, Illinois, was tragically killed by his African lion while changing its bedding at his home. Between 1990 and 2012, there were a total of 21 reported deaths caused by big cats: 14 by tigers, three by lions, one by a leopard, one by a jaguar, and two by ligers. Despite the dangers, there are more privately-owned big cats in the U.S. than you might expect: The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that for every tiger and lion in a zoo in America, there are 10 more in private captivity.

Primates

Primates like chimpanzees and monkeys may seem cute and playful, but they can become aggressive and violent, especially as they mature. They are capable of inflicting severe injuries on humans, making them highly dangerous pets.

Even small monkeys can be dangerous. JayJay was a 3-foot tall, 9-year-old pet Macaque monkey from Okeechobee, Florida. Despite being playful and dressing up as Santa, JayJay turned on his owner, Jimmy Schwall, severely injuring his hand, buttocks, and thigh. Schwall needed over 200 stitches and a two-week course of medication to prevent infections. He and his wife, Mona, had kept JayJay as a pet since he was 3 weeks old. Primates can also transmit deadly viruses to humans.

Crocodilians

Alligators and crocodiles might seem like the ultimate exotic pets, but their sheer size and power make them a significant threat to human safety. Alligators can deliver a lethal bite with a force of 2,000 pounds. In 2022 alone, there were two devastating fatalities in the US caused by alligators. With the rise in population, alligator attacks have become more frequent than ever.

Wolfdog Hybrids

Wolfdogs can be more dangerous than pure wolves as pets. While wild wolves are usually reclusive and wary of humans, wolfdogs can inherit both the independence of wolves and the reduced fear of humans seen in domesticated dogs. Like lions, wolves are pack animals and tend to bite less when in a subordinate role. However, the mix of domesticated dog behavior can make wolfdogs unpredictable, with behavior varying based on genetics.

Although certified cases of wolfdogs causing human fatalities are rare, a tragic incident occurred in August 1999 when 4-year-old Cody Tyler Fairfield was killed by his family's German Shepherd-wolf mix, which crushed his throat and trachea. Sandra L. Piovesan met a similar fate, being mauled to death by her pack of nine wolfdogs. These incidents, especially those involving multiple animals, underscore the significant danger posed by wolfdogs.

Owning exotic pets might seem exciting, but the dangers often outweigh the appeal. From venomous snakes to powerful big cats and unpredictable wolfdogs, these animals can pose serious risks and tragic incidents. It's better to admire these creatures in sanctuaries or zoos from a safe distance!

References: The 8 most dangerous animals to keep as pets | Top 10 Most Dangerous Legal Exotic Pets | Alligator kills 69-year-old South Carolina woman as she walked her dog by Hilton Head Island lagoon: 10ft beast is found guarding her mutilated body near to where fisherman cheated death last week