Top 10 Animal Weapons

By Joy H. Montgomery

Did you know the most dangerous animal in the world is the human? With an arsenal of weapons and high-tech gear, we have mastered the ability to defend ourselves against most threats. But you might be surprised to learn many animals also are capable of defending themselves without delivering a single bite. From a beetle that sprays boiling hot acid at its enemies, to a fish with shooting skills that make a rifle seem mundane, many animals are naturally equipped with impressive -- and somewhat strange -- weaponry. These creatures don't just point and shoot, but often put their whole bodies into defending their territory or family. Armor up! It's time to learn about animal warfare.

10. Humpback Whale

When one of the largest mammals of the sea is looking for a really large meal, just one or two fish won't do. The humpback whale often will gather a few of his fellow humpbacks, and employ a rather ingenious method to catch a fish buffet. The whales begin by circling a group of fish, and then they exhale a stream of air to trap the fish in a kind of net made of bubbles. This net is surprisingly strong and capable of catching fish just like a real net. Once the fish are trapped, the humpback whales take turns diving to the bottom of the net, and then quickly swim right through it with their mouths wide open, taking in a very large feast in one fell swoop. The humpbacks repeat this process until their whale-sized appetites are satisfied, making the buffet lines most people go to seem pretty benign.

CONTENT

The A-List

Creature Countdowns

Top 10 Animal Weapons

Shop Animal Planet