Maybe We’ll Just Stay Home
A quick Google search is all it takes to prove that Australia’s out to get you. Well, okay, maybe not the country itself, but certainly the terrifying creatures lurking within it. We’re not just talking about the spiders either (though they’re obviously the worst). The land down under is a little further under than we thought, boasting all sorts of horrors from the pits of our minds. And we're going to talk about them.
1. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
Obviously, the first thing we’re going to talk about is a spider. This place is the underworld on earth for any arachnophobe—though, it’s also weirdly vindicating. Oh, there’s nothing to be scared of? They’re more afraid of us than we are of them? False! They’re massive, they have huge fangs, and they have enough poison to seriously hurt us.
2. Blue-Ringed Octopus
Ah, an octopus, the spider of the sea. While we’re not nearly as terrified of this little guy, its unassuming appearance is exactly what hurts so many people. If this shy guy ever bites you, you’re looking at muscle paralysis and potentially even fatality if you’re not helped quickly enough.
3. Saltwater Crocodile
The only “good” thing about spiders and octopi is that they’re small. Crocs, on the other hand? Nope. Not only are these demons aggressive, but they like to lurk just on the water’s edge, daring you to push their buttons. We don’t recommend it, though.
4. Irukandji Jellyfish
The water might be calling your name, but Australian seas are more like a siren song. Here, we have another tiny but highly venomous species. One sting is all it takes for pain, muscle cramping, and, you guessed it, the potential for death. Oh, and they’re not even an inch long, so good luck spotting them.
GondwanaGirl 04:29, 6 January 2009 (UTC) on Wikimedia
5. Cone Snails
Aw, an adorable snail. Thank goodness we stumbled into something normal, right? Wrong! Of course it’s wrong! You actually just found a small, venomous sea snail that’s way faster than it looks. That speed is exactly how it paralyzes prey—including you if you’re not careful.
