Animal Warning Signs Save Lives
We see hundreds of signs each day many of which we ignore. But some warning signs are worth paying attention to. They could just save your life. Examples include road signs, and signs warning of natural disasters, or animal warning signs. In this article, we look at outdoor signs warning you about dangerous animals. When we think of deadly animals the first thing that comes to mind are animals like Lions, Sharks and Bears. Big frightening animals.
Outdoor Signs are ideal for alerting you to danger so you can either avoid the area or keep on your guard.
Data on animal deaths worldwide can only be estimated. Many happen in remote regions and go unreported. Not every hippo or shark encounter is recorded. But here are some estimates from WHO and Far&Wide as well as the signs you might expect to see.
Bears – 1 to 2 deaths a year
There are a reported 40 bear attacks worldwide a year. Out of the 40 bears approximately 14% end fatally. Most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space so signage making sure people keep their distance helps avoid potential conflict.
Dogs – 30,000 deaths a year
30,000 people die worldwide each year. Fatalities from direct attacks get the headlines but are rare. Most people die from infections such as Rabies.
Lions – 250 deaths a year
Signs warning of the presence of lions play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors. These signs are often placed at the entrances of national parks or reserves. They not only promote awareness but also encourage respectful and cautious behaviour. Stay in your car!
Elephants – 500 deaths a year
Trampling incidents involving elephants often occur when these majestic creatures feel provoked or encounter barriers that disrupt their usual paths to water sources. Tragically, encounters resulting in human fatalities from elephant trampling are reported in regions such as India and Africa, where human settlements encroach upon traditional elephant territories. Warning signs are for tourists who might be unaware of the dangers.
Cows – 30 deaths a year (USA and UK)
Often regarded as docile animals cows are responsible for more deaths than sharks! According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 22 people are killed by cows each year in the US. In the UK the number is hard to come by but it’s around 3 deaths a year. Mind you if you saw the sign below would you risk it? Nearly all the deaths are of farm workers.
2 – Sea Creatures Warning Signs
You’re no safer in the sea. Venture into the water at your peril!
Sharks – 14 deaths a year
The USA had 36 shark attacks in 2023 twice as many as Australia but only had half the fatalities. 2 fatalities in the USA and 4 in Australia. With 14 recorded shark fatalities worldwide in 2023. Despite the warning signs on beaches, you’ll often see surfers enter the water where there are clear signs warning of shark attacks. I guess they think the odds of being attacked are pretty low.
Hippos – 500 deaths a year
Hippos Cause an estimated 500 deaths annually. Many more than Lions. They are very territorial and aggressive animals. You’re at particular risk if you are on a boat as they can easily capsize them.
Crocodiles – 1,000 deaths a year
It has been estimated that about 1,000 people are killed by crocs each year. Deaths occur especially in regions where they are common and human populations live nearby. Crocodiles are fast and aggressive and may see humans as an opportunistic feast.
Jellyfish – 50 to 100 deaths a year
Can also be deadly – data is lacking but estimates are that Approximately 50 to 100 people die each year due to stings from the many species of box jellyfish. The number could be far higher. Most jellyfish stings are painful but not life-threatening. The severity of sting from a box jellyfish depends on the size of the jellyfish – the larger the more dangerous.
Medium sized beasts’ warning signs
Snakes – 100,000 deaths a year
Estimates suggest around 100,000 people are killed with up to 400,000 permanently disabled. Scientists think the saw-scaled viper has killed more people than all other snakes combined. Not because it is the most venomous but because it is very aggressive and they are found in very populated areas.
Scorpions – 2,600 deaths a year
Around 2,600 deaths a year are caused by scorpion stings. Stings are most often caused when the scorpion feels threatened. Signs are going to remind you to take care wear shoes and always check them before you put them on.
Little beasts’ warning signs
You could argue that warning signage is not much use if there is nothing you can do but accept the risks. These smaller beasts come in that category. Small but highly deadly.
Signs might not stop you from coming into contact with these deadline creatures but at least signs can educate people. Warn them to take whatever precautions they can and alert them to possible symptoms so they can seek treatment.
Mosquitoes – 1,000,000 deaths a year
An estimated 1,000,000 deaths are caused a year by mosquitoes. They spread malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Signs might remind people to use spray or mosquito nets.
Tsetse Fly – 10,000-500,000 deaths a year
When left untreated, the mortality rate of African sleeping sickness is close to 100%. It is estimated that anywhere from 10,000 to 500,000 people die from this disease every year. Warning signs can help to educate people to avoid being bitten. Precautions include. Don’t wear bright-coloured or extremely dark-coloured clothes, and stay away from bushes where tsetse flies live during daytime.
Freshwater snails – 20,000 deaths a year
Amazingly Snails (or parasites they carry) account for around 200,000 deaths a year. Found in slow-moving or stagnant water the larvae may penetrate your skin and enter the bloodstream. It’s treatable but snails are widespread and not everybody knows they have it or have treatment available.
Assassin bugs – 10,000 deaths a year
10,000 deaths a year. Chug’s disease is spread by blood-sucking bugs that bite people’s faces during the night. It occurs mostly in South America but is spreading to the US.
Spiders – 3 deaths a year
Spiders get a bad rap. They may bite but it is extremely rare to be killed. Estimates are around 3 deaths a year. Even the most venomous funnel-web spider has not killed a human since 1980 when anti-venom was available. Still, spider bites can be very painful so keep your eyes open for those warning signs.
We can’t know how many people are saved by reading outdoor animal warning signs for dangerous animals but I guess that on many occasions humble signs have saved someone from a nasty end. Next time I see some of these signs I’ll be taking care!
