Terrible and dangerous turtles and lizards. Diseases of red-eared turtles that are dangerous to humans
We inherited from the time in which dinosaurs ruled their distant ancestors - turtles and lizards. And to this day, these mini dinosaurs can be life-threatening and frightening in their appearance. Read on about the most poisonous and terrible “dragons”...
Green iguana
The iguana has become quite a popular pet in last years, and this giant, prehistoric reptile is now acting as an alternative to the dog. Although the iguana is a herbivore, it can be unpredictable and has razor-sharp teeth. In a number of cases, severe injuries were sustained when the “tame” but powerful iguanas became agitated and rushed into the owners’ faces or tore their hands with their teeth and claws. The iguana can weigh up to 18 kg and reach 2 meters in length, making this attack giant lizard an event about which it is better not to joke.
Leathery sea turtle
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all turtles, sometimes reaching 2.5 meters in length. These 900-pound omnivorous creatures are perhaps the most widespread vertebrates on Earth, but they are becoming rare and endangered due to development, pollution and overfishing. Turtles are usually quite gentle giants, but if disturbed they can break bones with a crushing bite and can be very strong and powerful. In one strange case, a huge leatherback weighing more than 680 kg, showed aggression towards the small boat and sank it. The turtle barely escaped being chased by sharks, so it perceived the boat as a threat.
Mata Mata Turtle
The South American Amazon is famous for its incredible and sometimes disturbing creatures. Unearthly Mata Mata turtles share the river with piranhas and river dolphins. The fate of the man who stepped on the Mata Mata is unknown, but the strange river reptile has an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble fused human teeth. These unusually creepy carnivores prey on waterbirds, fish and other reptiles. We can only imagine what they will do to a boatman who approaches the water...
Big-headed turtle
Big Headed Turtle Presents strange looking with a long, snake-like tail almost as long as her body. This turtle lives in South-East Asia, where she hunts for various prey in the rivers. Big head cannot be retracted into the shell and is equipped with very powerful jaws. The turtle won't hesitate to use its crushing bone beak if it perceives a threat, so it's best to keep your distance. They are able to climb trees, where they perch as if on a perch. Unfortunately this amazing creature is under threat due to poaching, which must be combated with increased diligence.
Softshell turtles
Soft-shelled turtles are aggression in its purest form; they cannot even get along in the same territory with their own kind. Looking like flattened human-reptile hybrids from a horror movie, soft-shelled turtles make up for what they lack in their shells. strong bite. Among the many species of soft-shelled turtles around the world, Cantor's Giant Soft-shelled turtles, common in China, are the most feared. They hide in the sand, waiting for prey before striking it with their sharp teeth. The sheer size and force of the bite can cause horrific injuries. However, this species is unfortunately currently endangered, but more mass species soft-shelled turtles, such as Florida soft-shell turtles, can attack an unwary fisherman.
Nile monitor
The Nile monitor shares the Nile and others African rivers with crocodiles and reaches 3 meters in length. This fearsome lizard often preys on young crocodiles, in addition to its diet of mammals and birds, and has extremely powerful poisonous bite. When threatened by humans or other potential enemies, Nile monitors can seize in a vice-like grip with a crushing grip and then reluctantly release their prey. Giant reptiles are sold as pets, but owners should be careful due to reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can "break a cat's neck in an instant and then swallow it whole." Children should stay out of the reach of these lizards, as the possibility of an attack is not excluded with these predators.
Venomtooth
The Venomtooth is the largest lizard in North America, it reaches more than 0.6 meters in length and is the only poisonous lizard. Venomtooths are endangered and protected by law, but people who interfere with them can also face death. If disturbed, the Venomtooth can grab the legs or arms of an enemy, where it sinks its teeth, quickly releasing a dose of extremely potent neurotoxic venom. Several deaths occurred before awareness of the dangers and development of a known treatment. Having no fangs, the venomtooth uses great force to slowly chew through a human hand, leaving behind venom-laced flesh. Submerging a monster in water can cause it to release its prey.
Malayan water monitor
The Malayan water monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world and lurks in deep rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has curved teeth and is known to feed on... corpses. If a living human falls into water where several monitor lizards are feeding, it is very likely that the reptile's hunting instinct will be activated by the human's vulnerability, provoking an attack. Aquatic monitor lizards are able to feed on a wide variety of animals, having little trouble only with large prey. They reach a weight of about 70 kg, and their length can be up to 3 meters.
Vulture turtle
The snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, and by far the most dangerous. The strange-looking reptile, weighing over 90kg, has a spine-covered, dinosaur-like shell and a massive beak that can quickly bite off any part of the body and is capable of tearing apart a broom handle at lightning speed. A swimmer who accidentally steps nearby can easily lose part of his leg. Although no deaths have been confirmed, drownings may have gone unnoticed. The hypothetical report of 180 kg turtles is supported by the continued growth of individuals of this species throughout their lifespan, which can reach 200 years.
Komodo dragon
The Komodo dragon is found in the woodlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to almost every living thing, as prehistoric predator. Weighing 136kg and measuring 3m long, the beasts are the largest lizards on Earth, forming a microcosm of the prehistoric reptiles of the world where they rule. Komodos feed on prey as large as buffalo and will also attack and eat humans. Komodos knock down such large prey, and then brutally attack and tear off big pieces flesh. Toxic saliva and bacteria weaken the animal, which does not die immediately. Scientists have suggested Komodo evolved to feed on the island's now-extinct pygmy elephants.
We all know that some snakes and insects can be poisonous, but have you ever heard of a poisonous bird or turtle? Surprisingly, the range of venomous creatures is very wide, from small insects to mammals that can be equally poisonous. The selection includes 7 amazing poisonous animals, which we will tell you about in detail.
Let's start with the ordinary Platypus, you probably know what it looks like and have heard about it. The platypus looks ridiculous and stupid, and it is impossible to even imagine that it is dangerous - an ordinary domestic cat looks more menacing. Believe it or not, the platypus has a spur on its back leg that shoots out venom. A dose of poison can kill a small dog and cause severe pain in humans. Several cases of serious consequences of a meeting between a person and a platypus have been recorded - the poison causes severe swelling, spreading throughout the body, accompanied by terrible pain. Unlike poisonous insects or reptiles, the platypus toxin is actually used to assert dominance during the mating season rather than for the purpose of catching prey or defense. We have already written in previous topics about this unusual animal (see the Platypus topic)
A small bird, the blackbird flycatcher, or Pitohu, can also be poisonous. It is the first recorded venomous bird. Pitohu lives in New Guinea, and gets its poison by eating the same food as some poisonous frogs and beetles. A neurotoxin found in the skin of birds causes intense loss of sensation or tingling pain in those who touch the bird. 
An amazing animal that I personally heard about for the first time - Fat Laurie. It is also called slow loris- This may be one of the most delightful animals in the world, but at the same time it is quite poisonous and can cause a lot of problems. While the toxin they use is primarily used to protect themselves and their young, there have been a few fatal cases in humans. However, they all occurred due to anaphylactic shock, and not due to the poison itself. Lori's toxin is weak and can cause minor swelling and allergies in humans. 
Next on the list of unusual poisonous animals is the box turtle. Box turtles- Quite shy animals, they live most often in the United States, where they are also popular pets. Box turtles are called box turtles because they can virtually hide completely within their shells. If you eat such a turtle, you can get very poisoned due to poisonous mushroom in their diet. 
Shrew - insectivorous mammal, similar to a mouse. Several varieties of shrews produce venom that can stop fairly large prey. There have been several case studies conducted where people reported extreme pain along with redness and swelling that lasted for many days. Shrews even bit horses, after which the horses were covered with terrible blisters. People lost the ability to move for several hours after the bite, which was accompanied by severe shooting pain. So this small, and at first glance harmless animal, made it onto our list for a reason.” Poisonous animals”
Another mammal that you are probably hearing about for the first time. This is a gaptooth - only mammal, which can inject venom through specially designed teeth, similar to the fangs of a snake. The lizardtooth tops the list of endangered species, so it's not people who should be afraid of it, but it is people 
In last place is the fish - catfish. According to research by students at the University of Michigan, 1,250 species of this fish can be poisonous. They need poison to protect themselves from natural enemies, but many fishermen have complained of a painful burning sensation after contact with catfish. Its toxin poisons the nerves, killing red blood cells, causing severe pain, seizures and breathing problems. But the consequence of this is not the bite itself, but the subsequent infection after the bite 
Most people are well aware of the dangers posed by crocodiles and snakes, but much less aware of the dangers that can come from turtles and lizards. Our list includes monsters of the reptile class, meeting which does not bode well:
Big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum)
It is the only species of the genus of the same name from the family of snapping turtles. It got a rather strange appearance due to its long, snake-like tail, almost as long as its body. Habitat: Southeast Asia. The freshwater reptile cannot retract its large head into its shell, which is compensated by its very powerful jaws, so it is better to keep your distance from it. Able to climb trees, sitting on branches as a perch. Unfortunately, this species of reptile is endangered due to poaching.
Venomtooth (Helodermatidae)
The only venomous lizard in the animal world, it is the largest in North America, usually reaching a length of more than 0.6 m. When disturbed, the reptile can fend for itself: the poisonous lizard grabs the legs or arms of its enemy, then plunges its teeth into them and quickly releases its extremely neurotoxic venom . Several deaths occurred after encounters with venom teeth until scientists were able to develop a treatment. These lizards do not have fangs, so they use enormous power, slowly chewing on a human hand and leaving behind flesh soaked in poison. If you immerse a reptile in water, there is a chance that it may release its prey. Representatives of the family of vultures are endangered and protected by law.
Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The largest of all turtles: its length can reach 2.5 m and weight – 900 kg. Unfortunately, the population of these omnivorous creatures is declining. It is not recommended to disturb the tranquility of these rather gentle giants, as they are capable of breaking bones with one crushing blow. There was a case when one turtle barely broke away from the sharks pursuing it and sank a small boat that got in its way, perceiving it as a threat.
Common turtle (Macroclemys temminckii)
The largest on Earth freshwater turtle, moreover, today it is the most dangerous. The more than 90-pound reptiles are covered in a spiked shell much like dinosaur skin and have a massive beak that can be used to bite off any part of the body. A swimmer who accidentally steps next to you can easily lose part of his leg. Individuals of this species grow throughout their lifespan (which can reach 200 years), so adult snapping turtles can reach a weight of about 180 kilograms.
Large softshell turtle (Pelochelys bibroni)
Compensates for the lack of its shell powerful bite. The most terrible individuals - the giant soft-bodied Cantor turtles - are common in China. Hiding in the sand, they wait for their prey and then strike it with their sharp teeth. Due to its enormous size and bite force, it is a real threat to the unwary person. Unfortunately, this reptile species is endangered.
Common iguana, or green iguana(Iguana iguana)
Despite the fact that this reptile is a herbivore, it nevertheless has sharp razor teeth and can be quite unpredictable. A number of cases have been recorded in which owners keeping “tame” iguanas at home received rather severe injuries: when excited, the animals rushed into their faces, tearing the skin with their claws and teeth. Some representatives of this class of reptiles can reach 18 kilograms in weight and 2 meters in length, thereby representing a creature that it is better to try to avoid meeting.
Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus)
Some individuals can reach 3 meters in length. The creepy lizard feeds on young crocodiles, mammals and birds, hunting them with its powerful venomous bite. If it feels (from a person or animal) a threat of attack, it grabs it in a vice with crushing force, then reluctantly releases its prey.
Fringed turtle, or Mata-Mata (Chelus fimbriatus)
These creatures live in South America, in river basins from the Orinoco to the Amazon, sharing the water space with river dolphins and piranhas. What will happen to a person who is unlucky enough to step on it is unknown, but this reptile with a bizarre appearance has an elongated snake-like neck and a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates reminiscent of fused human teeth. The unusually creepy carnivores hunt waterbirds, fish and other reptiles.
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)
It lives on the beaches, plateaus and woodlands of the Indonesian islands, being a threat to almost every living thing, like a prehistoric predator. Komodo dragons reach a length of 3 meters and weigh about 136 kg, being the largest lizards on the planet. This type of reptile feeds on buffaloes and can attack and eat people: knocking down large prey, these monsters then attack, tearing off large pieces of flesh. With their toxic saliva and bacteria, they weaken the prey, which does not die immediately. According to scientists, Komodo dragons evolved to feed on the already extinct dwarf elephants of Komodo Island.
Malayan water monitor (Varanus salvator)
The second heaviest lizard on the planet. It lives in the deep waters of rivers and swamps in Southeast Asia. The reptile has curved teeth and will not refuse to eat corpses, in addition to a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. A person falling into water in which several monitor lizards are feeding at once can awaken their hunting instinct and provoke their attack. Typically, Malayan water monitors reach a length of up to 3 meters, while weighing about 70 kilograms.
The iguana has become quite a popular pet in recent years, with this giant, prehistoric reptile now serving as an alternative to dogs. Although the iguana is a herbivore, it can be unpredictable and has razor-sharp teeth. In a number of cases, severe injuries were sustained when the “tame” but powerful iguanas became agitated and rushed into the owners’ faces or tore their hands with their teeth and claws. An iguana can weigh up to 18 kg and reach 2 meters in length, making an attack by this giant lizard an event not to be joked about.
2. Leatherback sea turtle
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all turtles, sometimes reaching 2.5 meters in length. These 900-pound omnivorous creatures are perhaps the most widespread vertebrates on Earth, but they are becoming rare and endangered due to development, pollution and overfishing. Turtles are usually quite gentle giants, but if disturbed they can break bones with a crushing bite and can be very strong and powerful. In one strange case, a huge leatherback weighing more than 680 kg showed aggression towards a small boat and sank it. The turtle barely escaped being chased by sharks, so it perceived the boat as a threat.
3. Mata Mata Turtle
The South American Amazon is famous for its incredible and sometimes disturbing creatures. The unearthly Mata Mata turtles share the river with piranhas and river dolphins. The fate of the man who stepped on the Mata Mata is unknown, but the strange river reptile has an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble fused human teeth. These unusually creepy carnivores prey on waterbirds, fish and other reptiles. We can only imagine what they will do to a boatman who approaches the water...
4. Big-headed turtle
The big-headed turtle is a strange species with a long, snake-like tail almost as long as its body. This turtle is native to Southeast Asia, where it hunts a variety of prey in rivers. The large head cannot be retracted into the shell and is equipped with very powerful jaws. The turtle won't hesitate to use its crushing bone beak if it perceives a threat, so it's best to keep your distance. They are able to climb trees, where they perch as if on a perch. Unfortunately, this amazing creature is under threat due to poaching, which must be combated with increased diligence.
5. Softshell turtles
Looking like flattened human-reptile hybrids from a horror movie, soft-shelled turtles compensate for their shell deficiencies with a very strong bite. Among the many species of soft-shelled turtles around the world, Cantor's Giant Soft-shelled turtles, common in China, are the most feared. They hide in the sand, waiting for prey before striking it with their sharp teeth. The sheer size and force of the bite can cause horrific injuries. However, the species is unfortunately now endangered, but more abundant softshell species such as the Florida softshell turtle can attack the unwary fisherman.
6. Nile monitor
The Nile monitor shares the Nile and other African rivers with crocodiles and reaches 3 meters in length. This fearsome lizard often preys on young crocodiles, in addition to its diet of mammals and birds, and has an extremely powerful venomous bite. When threatened by humans or other potential enemies, Nile monitors can seize in a vice-like grip with a crushing grip and then reluctantly release their prey. The giant reptiles are sold as pets, but owners should be careful due to reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can "break a cat's neck in an instant and then swallow it whole." Children should stay out of the reach of these lizards, as the possibility of an attack is not excluded with these predators.
7. Venomtooth
The goattooth is the largest lizard in North America, reaching over 0.6 meters in length and is the only venomous lizard. Venomtooths are endangered and protected by law, but people who interfere with them can also face death. If disturbed, the Venomtooth can grab the legs or arms of an enemy, where it sinks its teeth, quickly releasing a dose of extremely potent neurotoxic venom. Several deaths occurred before awareness of the dangers and development of a known treatment. Having no fangs, the venomtooth uses great force to slowly chew through a human hand, leaving behind venom-laced flesh. Submerging a monster in water can cause it to release its prey.
8. Malayan water monitor
The Malayan water monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world and lurks in the deep rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has curved teeth and is known to feed on... corpses. If a living human falls into water where several monitor lizards are feeding, it is very likely that the reptile's hunting instinct will be activated by the human's vulnerability, provoking an attack. Aquatic monitor lizards are able to feed on a wide variety of animals, having little trouble only with large prey. They reach a weight of about 70 kg, and their length can be up to 3 meters.
9. Vulture turtle
The snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, and by far the most dangerous. The strange-looking reptile, weighing over 90kg, has a spine-covered, dinosaur-like shell and a massive beak that can quickly bite off any part of the body and is capable of tearing apart a broom handle at lightning speed. A swimmer who accidentally steps nearby can easily lose part of his leg. Although no deaths have been confirmed, drownings may have gone unnoticed. The hypothetical report of 180 kg turtles is supported by the continued growth of individuals of this species throughout their lifespan, which can reach 200 years.
10. Komodo Dragon
The Komodo dragon is found in the woodlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to almost every living creature as a prehistoric predator. Weighing 136kg and measuring 3m long, the beasts are the largest lizards on Earth, forming a microcosm of the prehistoric reptiles of the world where they rule. Komodos feed on prey as large as buffalo and will also attack and eat humans. Komodos knock down such large prey and then savagely attack and tear off large chunks of flesh. Toxic saliva and bacteria weaken the animal, which does not die immediately. Scientists have suggested Komodo evolved to feed on the island's now-extinct pygmy elephants.
Nothing instills fear more than a human encounter with a crocodile or snake. Today's reptiles are descendants of dinosaurs that went extinct many millions of years ago, and many of them are still as dangerous as their ancestors. We present to your attention a selection of the most terrible reptiles with which it is better not to meet.
Green Iguana: The iguana has become quite a popular pet in recent years, and this giant, prehistoric reptile is now emerging as an alternative to dogs. Although the iguana is a herbivore, it can be unpredictable and has razor-sharp teeth. In a number of cases, severe injuries were sustained when the “tame” but powerful iguanas became agitated and rushed into the owners’ faces or tore their hands with their teeth and claws. An iguana can weigh up to 18 kg and reach 2 meters in length, making an attack by this giant lizard an event not to be joked about.
Leatherback sea turtle: The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all turtles, sometimes reaching 2.5 meters in length. These 900-pound omnivorous creatures are perhaps the most widespread vertebrates on Earth, but they are becoming rare and endangered due to pollution and overfishing. Turtles are usually quite quiet giants, but if disturbed, they can break bones with a crushing bite. There was a case when a turtle weighing more than 680 kg sank a small boat not far from the shore. The reptile barely escaped being chased by sharks, so it perceived the boat as a threat.
Mata Mata turtle. The South American Amazon is famous for its incredible, and sometimes unusual creatures. The unearthly Mata Mata turtles share the river with piranhas. The fate of the man who stepped on the Mata Mata is unknown, but the strange river reptile has an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble fused human teeth. These creepy carnivores prey on waterbirds, fish and other reptiles. We can only imagine what they will do to a boatman passing by.
Big-headed turtle: The big-headed turtle is a strange species with a long, snake-like tail almost as long as its body. The turtle won't hesitate to use its crushing bone beak if it senses danger, so it's best to stay away from it. She is also capable of climbing trees. Unfortunately, this amazing creature is endangered due to poaching.
Soft-shelled turtles. They hide in the sand, waiting for prey before striking it with their sharp teeth. The sheer size and force of the bite can cause horrific injuries. However, this species is unfortunately currently endangered.
Nile monitor lizard. The Nile monitor reaches 3 meters in length. This fearsome lizard often preys on young crocodiles, in addition to its diet of mammals and birds, and has an extremely powerful bite. The giant reptiles are sold as pets, but owners should be careful due to reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can "break a cat's neck in an instant and then swallow it whole." Children should stay out of the reach of these lizards, as the possibility of an attack is not excluded with these predators.
Venomtooth. The Hawktooth is the largest reptile in North America, reaching more than 0.6 meters in length and is the only venomous lizard. Venom teeth are endangered and protected by law. Unfortunately, this experience is based on several tragic cases of human death
Malayan Water Monitor: The Malayan Water Monitor is the second largest lizard in the world and lurks in the deep rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has curved teeth and feeds on carrion. If a living human falls into water where several monitor lizards are feeding, it is very likely that the reptile's hunting instinct will be activated by the human's vulnerability, provoking an attack. Aquatic monitor lizards are able to feed on a wide variety of animals, having little trouble only with large prey. They reach a weight of about 70 kg, and their length can be up to 3 meters.
Vulture turtle. The largest freshwater turtle in the world, and by far the most dangerous. The strange-looking reptile, weighing over 90kg, has a spine-covered, dinosaur-like shell and a massive beak that can quickly bite off any part of the body and is capable of tearing apart a broom handle at lightning speed. A swimmer who accidentally steps nearby can easily lose part of his leg. Although no deaths have been confirmed, drownings may have gone unnoticed. The hypothetical report of 180 kg turtles is supported by the continued growth of individuals of this species throughout their lifespan, which can reach 200 years.
Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon is found in the woodlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to almost everyone alive. Weighing 136 kg and 3 meters long, the animals are the largest lizards on Earth. Komodos feed on prey as large as buffalo and will also attack and eat humans. Komodos knock down their prey and then savagely attack and tear off large chunks of flesh. Scientists have suggested Komodo evolved to feed on the island's now-extinct pygmy elephants.
Based on materials from: daypic.ru
