We adore beavers, even making them national symbols, despite global confusion. They might not be as majestic as eagles, but they're smart, complex, and potentially dangerous. As the world's second-largest rodent, beavers are territorial.
Dolphins symbolize joy and intelligence, often seen as friendly. However, their playful nature can mask their potential danger. They use beaks and teeth to attack porpoises, their infants, and humans, showing wild tendencies.
Squirrels, known for their quickness and agility, have defense mechanisms against predators. In California, they develop immunity to rattlesnake venom, bite back, and enlarge their tails to deter snakes.
Swans, while elegant, can be aggressive, especially during nesting season (April to June). Male swans protect their nests fiercely, using large wings to swat away intruders. Incidents include a swan attacking model boats in England.
Canadian geese, like swans, are territorial and confrontational. Their frequent wandering enhances their defensive skills, as seen in a Kansas zoo confrontation with a gorilla. The University of Waterloo.
Rare aggressive encounters occur, especially when they feel threatened or out of their habitat, as seen in B.C. with deer attacking humans and dogs.
Anteaters, while typically non-aggressive, have formidable defenses. Their 125 cm bodies and 10 cm claws can ward off predators like pumas and jaguars. They stand on their hind legs to slash at threats, making them dangerous to humans when provoked.
The most significant threat is the diseases they carry, necessitating medical treatment. Rabid raccoons are especially dangerous, with severe attacks reported in Washington and Maine.