Throughout history there have been many occurrences of animals attacking humans. It is very common for particular animals to attack, but for other species it can be quite unusual. This should be differentiated from parasites on humans such as mosquitos or leeches which do not attack as such.

Animals involved

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There are many animals that are frequently reported as attacking humans.

Alligators and crocodiles

• Alligators (see alligator attacks in Florida)
• Crocodiles (see crocodile attacks)
• List of fatal alligator attacks in the United States by decade

Dogs

Domesticated dogs are one of the more frequent attackers, with particular breeds being more susceptible to violence against humans.

Insects

Stings from bees and wasps are generally defensive but can occur without provocation. Some people suffer from a severe allergy to their sting and go into anaphylactic shock after such an attack.

Others

Other animals include:

• Bears
• Big Cats
• Dogs (see dog attacks)
• Elephants
• Hippopotami
• Hyenas
• Sharks
• Snakes

Attacks in popular culture

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In novels, films, and television programmes, many stories have involved animals attacking humans. Some of the stories have the incidents as their central plot, frequently exaggerating the size of the animal.

Television coverage

Attacks caught on camera can often appear on news programmes.

When Animals Attack! is an American television programme that shows real footage of animals attacking humans.

See also

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• Rabies
• List of fatal, unprovoked shark attacks in the United States by decade
• List of fatal bear attacks in North America by decade

External links

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• The Animal Attack Files
• Fatal Dog Attacks
• Shark Research Committee
• Mountain Lion Attacks in the United States and Canada

Animals