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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
6 dangerous animals commonly spotted in India's National Parks
Over the past few years, national parks across India have seen a steady rise in footfall. From Ranthambore to Kaziranga, safari bookings are growing, and interest in nature-based travel is clearly on the rise. For many, these trips are a way to disconnect from the city, get closer to nature, and maybe even spot a tiger in the wild. But while these parks are designed to protect wildlife, they're not amusement parks. Visitors often forget that they're stepping into raw, untamed territory, which is home to animals that aren't just wild, but sometimes unpredictable. Some encounters can turn risky if not handled responsibly. This article looks at six such species that demand caution, not fear, but awareness. They form a crucial part of India's natural landscape, but they also deserve distance, respect, and understanding. Bengal Tiger Where you might spot them: Jim Corbett, Kanha, Tadoba, Sundarbans Tigers are apex predators, but they're also known for avoiding humans unless threatened or startled. The real danger lies in accidental run-ins, like walking into their territory unknowingly or getting too close during a sighting. A cornered or protective tiger will act on instinct. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Keep in mind: Remain inside your vehicle during all safaris. Avoid calling out or making loud noises, even in excitement. Tigers usually stay hidden unless disturbed. Indian Elephant Best seen in: Kaziranga, Nagarhole, Periyar Elephants are deeply social and emotionally intelligent. They're often calm and even tolerant of human presence, but that changes quickly if they feel their young are under threat or if they're in musth (a hormonal phase in males marked by heightened aggression). Unlike big cats, elephants are more visible, but that doesn't make them less dangerous. What helps: Always give them space, especially if you see a calf nearby. Never try to overtake or approach an elephant, even from a distance. Indian Leopard Frequently spotted in: Jhalana, Bandhavgarh, Sanjay-Dubri Leopards are far more adaptable than tigers and are known to live even on the edges of cities. In the wild, they prefer to stay hidden and avoid attention. But if surprised, especially near their den or with prey, they can react with alarming speed and force. Stay safe by: Not walking on foot in forested areas, particularly near thick cover. Listen to your forest guide and avoid moving away from your group. Sloth Bear You'll find them in: Satpura, Pench, and parts of Central India Sloth bears don't get as much attention as tigers or elephants, but they are among the top contributors to human-wildlife conflict in several Indian states. Their eyesight is poor, and they're known to charge if they sense sudden movement nearby, especially while feeding or with cubs. Basic rule: Avoid going near bushes or termite mounds where bears might be looking for food. Stay alert during early mornings and late evenings, as that's when bears are most active. Indian Cobra (and other venomous snakes) Found in: Almost all national parks across India, especially during summer and monsoon India is home to several venomous snake species, including cobras, kraits, and vipers. They don't seek confrontation, but bites can happen if they're accidentally stepped on or disturbed while resting under leaves, rocks, or near water. Safety tip: Wear covered shoes, avoid walking in grass or undergrowth, and always check your surroundings if you're in areas with snake presence. Saltwater Crocodile Spotted mostly in: Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Andaman coastal areas Saltwater crocodiles are rarely seen during the day, but that doesn't mean they're not close. These predators are excellent at camouflaging themselves in muddy waters and riverbanks, striking only when they're absolutely sure. That one strike is often fatal for animals or humans. Your safety net: Avoid going too close to riverbanks or dipping your feet in water, no matter how calm it looks. Always follow local alerts in crocodile zones. When's the right time to visit? Most national parks are open from October to June, but for better wildlife visibility, the dry season (March to early June) is ideal. Water sources are fewer, so animals tend to gather around known watering points, making sightings more likely and more predictable for guides. Quick ground rules for visitors Stick to safari tracks. They're marked for a reason. Don't step out of the vehicle. Even if the view seems safe. Lower your voice. Wild animals are quick to pick up unfamiliar sounds. Avoid bright clothing or strong fragrances. They draw attention. Never attempt selfies with wildlife. It's not just risky– it's illegal in some parks.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Telegraph
Five countries with the deadliest wildlife on Earth (and five with almost none at all)
The allure of potentially lethal wildlife is often the reason we visit a country in the first place. Lions and tigers may be dangerous carnivores, but Africa and India would have fewer visitors without them. Viewed from the safety of a safari vehicle, the adrenaline rush is not so much from fear as pure, visceral excitement. Most deadly species, however, do not have quite the same allure. Giant reptiles, venomous snakes and spiders, and disease-carrying insects also pose significant health and safety threats. So, to help you seek out – or avoid – the world's deadliest wildlife, we've selected five countries with more than their fair share of dangerous animals – and five with hardly any at all. Five countries with deadly wildlife Australia The Land Down Under is renowned for its lethal wildlife. Twenty out of 25 of the world's most venomous snake species are native to Australia, including the most venomous of them all, the inland taipan, whose venom can kill in under an hour. The aggressive Australian funnel-web spider injects potentially lethal toxins through its teeth, while off the north coast, the many species of box jellyfish have a sting that can lead to cardiac arrest. Also, beware the stonefish. This master of camouflage, found along the Great Barrier Reef and the Sunshine Coast, is the most venomous fish in the world. India Not all India's lethal predators are restricted to its national parks: the Bengal tiger and Indian leopard can be a significant threat when humans encroach on their territory. Sloth bears are not carnivorous, yet they attack more people than any other bear. Venomous snakes, including the common krait, Indian cobra, Russell's viper and saw-scaled viper, cause a high number of fatalities each year, while saltwater crocodiles inhabit India's southern coast and rivers. Indian elephants can also be volatile and aggressive if surprised or feeling under threat. And it's not just the big animals – as in many other parts of the world, mosquitoes spread malaria and dengue fever, both of which can be fatal. United States This one might surprise you – but remember, the bigger the country, the more likely it is to have some deadly residents, and the USA is no exception. The American alligator, found primarily in the south-eastern states, is fast, strong and has a deadly bite. Its snakes include the rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperhead, all potentially lethal. Bears, including grizzlies and black bears, although typically avoiding human contact, can be extremely dangerous if provoked or surprised. Spiders like the black widow and brown recluse are also extremely venomous. Brazil Brazil's Amazon rainforest is home to many dangerous species. The aggressive fer-de-lance is the most venomous snake in the Americas, causing more deaths than any other reptile. The shock from an electric eel can incapacitate a human, and the bullet ant has one of the most painful stings known to man. The venom of the Brazilian wandering spider is potentially lethal, while the brightly coloured poison dart frog injects dangerous toxins. Anaconda snakes up to 30ft long are constrictors that suffocate their prey, although no human victims have been reported to date, and the Amazonian jaguar has a bite that can crush bones but will only attack if provoked. South Africa South Africa, like many countries on the African continent, is home to many deadly carnivores, most of which are found in the national parks. However, communities living around their borders – and, on occasion, tourists – sometimes come into lethal contact with elephants and hippos. South Africa is also home to venomous creatures such as the puff adder and black mamba snakes, whose bites can be lethal if not treated promptly. Crocodiles also lurk in the country's rivers and lakes. Five countries with almost no dangerous creatures New Zealand Chief among New Zealand's non-threatening species is the kiwi, a flightless bird and the symbol of the country. With its long beak and sensitive nostrils, the kiwi is primarily nocturnal and uses its keen sense of smell to forage for insects and worms. New Zealand's South Island is also home to Hector's dolphin, the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin, with its rounded dorsal fins and playful personality. The inquisitive kea, a mountain parrot, is known for its intelligence and problem-solving abilities while the tuatara, a lizard-like reptile, has a parietal (third) eye on the top of its head and two rows of teeth on its upper jaw. Dominica The Caribbean island of Dominica, aka 'Nature Island' due to the biodiversity of its rainforests, mountains and coral reefs, has no deadly snakes or large predators. The Sisserou parrot, its national bird, famous for its iridescent green, purple, and blue feathers, is most often seen in the island's mountainous regions alongside three species of hummingbird: the purple throated carib; the green throated carib; and the tiny Antillean crested. Sperm whales can also be found in the seas around the island. However, lionfish, an invasive species found in Caribbean waters, has venomous spines that can cause painful stings. Norway The Eurasian Elk, known locally as the moose, is the largest member of the deer family, weighing up to 700kg and measuring up to two metres at the shoulder. The antlers of a male can extend up to 1.75 metres across. The Atlantic puffin, another of Norway's headline species, is found along the rocky cliffs of coastal islands such as Røst, in the Lofoten archipelago. The Arctic fox is a master of adaptation whose thick white winter fur, perfect camouflage in the snow, changes to brown and grey in summer. Singapore Surprisingly, perhaps, the city-state of Singapore is home to a number of inspiring wildlife species – almost all completely harmless. The Sunda pangolin, with its armour-like scales and ability to fold up into a ball, although critically endangered, is a flagship species for the country's wildlife preservation. Avian species include the oriental pied hornbill, a large bird with black and white plumage and a yellow beak, while otters and water monitor lizards, sometimes up to 10ft long, are found near waterways and canals. Singapore's 'City in Nature' initiative is a network of green corridors that connect natural habitats throughout the island. However, long-tailed macaques have adapted to the urban environment and can sometimes be aggressive. Iceland The Icelandic horse, often only the size of a pony, is famous both for its purity – it is the only breed of horse in Iceland – and its characteristic 'tolt'. The latter falls somewhere between a trot and a canter, with one foot always in contact with the ground. As in Norway, the Arctic fox, called a 'melrakki' in Icelandic, is one of the island's most resilient species, while the coastline hosts large colonies of gulls, terns, and guillemots. Off-shore, humpback whales weighing up to 40 tons migrate to Icelandic waters during the summer months.
