There are many animals that people think of as cute and, in that thinking, see the animals as harmless. This idea is perpetuated in pop culture, petting zoos, and even mythology. But, despite a cute exterior and sometimes playful nature, these animals can be dangerous and even deadly.
Beavers
Potrayed in media as hard working and often friendly, it’s easy to forget how threatening a beaver can be. These rodents are extremely territorial and won’t hesitate to use their teeth. While attacks on humans are rare, there are known incidents where a bite from a badger has severed an artery (typically on a human’s thigh) resulting blood loss and death.
Otters
Despite a rise in adorable memes and viral videos, otters are aggressive weasels. While the animals are not prone to conflict, they are territorial and almost fearless. They are considered apex predators and some species of otters are known to take down alligators for their dinners. Otters claw, bite, and are stronger than they may appear.
Seals
Pinnipeds, more commonly known as seals, are thought of as docile, playful creatures. Like otters, it can be easy to forget that seals are predators. And dangerous ones, at that. The Leopard Seal, for example, is second only to the killer whale among Antarctica’s top predators. This particularly viscious species of seal has been known to stalk and hunt humans or attack (and puncture) inflatable boats. Leopard Seals are certainly the most threatening type of seal, but there have been noted attacks and warnings for many families of pinnipeds.
Koalas
Often called koala bears, these mammals are not ursine, but marsupial. Though they seem cute and placid (sleeping most of their days away), if surprised or protecting their young, they have been known to attack people and dogs. Long, sharp claws usually used for climbing trees suddenly become weapons from these deceiptively fast animals.
Slow Lorises
These primates look harmless and almost childlike, due in part to their size and large, round eyes. When spotted in the wild, they freeze and cover their face; in Indonesia slow lorises are called malu malu or “shy one.” However, this action of raising their arms is part of their defense mechanism. The slow loris produces a toxic secretion from their upper arm, which they can lick and follow with a bite to intruders or threats. This bite can often result in anaphylactic shock. While death is rare, the danger of these adorable animals have placed them as the only known venomous primate.
Red Panda
Not really related to pandas and not part of the ursine family, the red panda is the sole living representative of the ailuridae family. Somewhat more related to the racoon, these cute animals have small faces and paws that are easy for humans to anthropomorphize. Like raccoons, they will claw and bite if threatened. …But only after standing on their hind legs to warn you of how big the can get. So cute!
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