9 Things in Nature That Look Harmless but You Would Never Want to Run Into

Sometimes getting near certain animals, birds, insects, or plants could be a terrible idea. Though at first, all those things may look inviting (some are even adorable). Take for instance slow lorises. Super-cute creatures on the outside and pretty deadly if you go “aww,” approach them, and try to pet them.

We at Bright Side have found some dangerous creations from our beloved Mother Nature, and we’ll explain why it is much safer to never see them in the wild.

1. Lone star tick

Shortly after being bitten by this tiny beauty, many people may develop an alpha-gal meat allergy. The common reaction, in general, occurs 3-6 hours after consuming red meat. It’s not like allergic reactions to other food, which are more or less immediate, so it’s quite difficult to find out the real cause. Hopefully, not every tick bite ends up like this.

2. The Manchineel tree

The Manchineel tree is one of the world’s most dangerous trees. It grows mostly in tropical southern North America and northern South America. Yet, when it rains, it takes a single drop from the tree to cause a blistering of the skin.

Its fruits seem to be pleasantly sweet, but are actually highly toxic. Locals, of course, tried to get rid of the trees by burning them. But the smoke can damage the eyes, so they all ended up with warning signs.

3. Blue-ringed octopuses

These cuties live in the coral reefs of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Despite their small size, they carry enough venom to kill more than 25 adult humans within minutes.

Their bites are often painless. That’s why their victims do not realize they have been bitten until they can’t breathe or are paralyzed. And unfortunately, there is no antidote to their venom so far.

4. Platypuses

Platypuses may seem pretty adorable. Until you find out about their special defense mechanism. They are born with ankle spurs that deliver nasty poison. It’s not powerful enough to kill humans, but the pain it causes is so excruciating that victims may be incapacitated for days or even months.

5. Flower Urchin

One more beauty to deceive us with its charms. Each of these tiny ’flowers’ is actually a tentacle with a jaw. It cannot kill you right away, but its venoms are still toxic and can cause muscular paralysis, breathing problems, numbness, and disorientation. So if you decide to take some diving lessons, it’s better to keep away from sea urchins.

6. Puss Caterpillar

Before this hairy insect becomes a beautiful moth, it’s better keep away from its fancy “fur.” They are actually spines that can cause immediate skin irritation and severe radiating pain. Some victims even describe it as similar to a broken bone. Let alone all the other unpleasant symptoms like headaches, blisters, or difficulty breathing.

7. Octopus stinkhorn

Actually, this is just a fungus. A very smelly one. It is also called “devil’s fingers” because some of them really look like red fingers escaping from the ground. And it produces compounds that are similar to the scent of rotting flesh.

The fungus uses it to attract flies that serve as agents for spore dispersal. But for humans, this smell may be devastating. Consuming this ’delicacy’ would also not be very enjoyable.

8. Pufferfish

The toxins of this funny-looking fish are 100 times more potent than cyanide. Some people are not afraid to pick it up with their bare hands.

Though, the main danger really comes from consuming this fish rather than from touching it. Sometimes people eat it by mistake. And the result is the same: incorrectly prepared fish causes intoxication and, very often, death.

9. Araucaria pine cones

These cones may grow from up to 20 to 35 cm (7.9–13.8 in) in diameter and can weigh as much as 18 kg (40 lbs). Dropping from a height of up to 20 meters (90 feet) it can be lethal to anyone passing by. So it’s better to just avoid walking under this tree altogether.

We hope you don’t have any dangers like this in your area, but if you do, please share them with us. Especially if it’s another cutie we’d better stay away from.