This article was originally published on WackoJaco
We often hear about massive animals that roam the earth, but it's hard to imagine what they look like next to the average human. Some animals weigh multiple tons, and they can crush humans within seconds. It is mind-boggling to see how these animals measure up to us. From horses to whales, to animals that you would never expect, these animals will give you a better perspective of how big the members of the animal kingdom really are compared to us.
Clydesdale Horses Compared To The Average Human
Clydesdales horses are one of the biggest breeds of horses, and they are famous for being the mascot of Budweiser Beer. They are generally very gentle and easy to train despite how intimidating their size is.
Although they are clearly enormous, they are not the largest breed of horses. The most massive horse is a shire, and it looks similar to a Clydesdale but bigger. These horses are mostly found in the UK, and they are easy to spot because of their size and markings.
When You Think You Have Seen A Full Sized Snapping Turtle, But It Is Just The Baby
Many people have seen snapping turtles in lakes and ponds. However, we usually see the small ones thinking that they are fully grown. Well, the world just got a little scarier because those small ones aren't even close to the full-grown adults.
Snapping turtles are not only the creepiest looking animals, but they also have a powerful bite. While no deaths have been reported due to snapping turtles, we wouldn't go near these pre-historic looking monsters.
People Underestimate The Size Of The Fruit Bat
Most people do not get up close and personal with bats, so we never know how big or small they really are. It looks like batman as a baby, but he doesn't like being hung upside down. These things are called flying foxes for a good reason based on their size.
Bats don't seem like the type of animal you would want to get close to, but this girl seems delighted to show off her friend. It's a good thing they are only interested in fruit and not human blood.
The World's Oldest And Largest Wombat
Patrick was the world's oldest and largest wombat. The average wombat lives for around 15 years, but Patrick lived to be 32-years-old, which is double their life expectancy. He lived a full life and weighed a whopping 88 pounds. You can see as the handler struggles to pick him up.
These furry creatures are native to Australia, and Patrick was beloved by everyone who met him. He spent most of his life in the Ballarat Wildlife Park before his passing in 2017. He looked like a giant baby, and the staff mourned his loss.
The World's Largest Salamander And Amphibian
If you weren't having nightmares about the other animals on this list, this giant Chinese salamander might change that. These creepy looking things are the world's largest amphibians, and they sometimes smell like pepper. They also make noises that sound like a small child.
These salamanders are critically endangered and need to be protected. The fully aquatic amphibian likes rocky streams, and it looks like it would blend right into the rocks.
A Giant African Land Snail
If you saw this thing slithering by, you would be in for quite the fright. While it may be harmless, it looks likes something you would see in an alien monster movie. These snails continue to slowly grow throughout their lives and they live up to ten years.
Some people keep them as pets, but it is not like having a cute puppy. This one's face resembles a bunny in an odd way. We know what you're thinking, and no they do not meow like Spongebob's pet snail, Gary.
Someone's Hungry
Keep all hands and feet inside the boat when you are going on a tour to see these crocodiles. This one lost one of its arms in a battle, but that doesn't mean its jaws are any less powerful. The croc got in a fight with a shark and came away from it with a missing arm.
This croc was known as Brutus to the tour groups. He has many battle scars after fighting sharks and other crocodiles. Once, he had a vine stuck down his throat and he is missing a few teeth, but that hasn't stopped him from showing off for the crowd.
Caution: Moose Crossing
In some places, seeing a moose in a shopping center parking lot is a normal occurrence, but not for most people. This would be a shocking scene to someone who has never encountered one of these massive animals.
This one is looking for a place to park his antlers so he won't get stuck in the trees anymore. It's a rough life out there when you have to embarrassingly walk through the parking lot and try not to get tangled in anything.
The Real Tiger King
That is an awfully small bottle for a wild cat of this size, and he will probably be hungry for something more substantial like a human in a few minutes. Siberian tigers are gorgeous with the black stripes and orange fur, but they are still ferocious felines.
This tiger sadly lives in captivity, and the ones in the wild grow even bigger than this. They are fierce predators, and shouldn't be subjected to cages or people gawking at them all day long. Animals weren't put on this planet to be kept in captivity.
Fully Inflated Horse Lungs Explain Why They Can Run So Long And Fast
It's safe to say that this horse was definitely not a smoker. These lungs are enormous, and they are required so that horses can run for long periods of time without getting tired. You would never realize how much larger some animal organs are to help them with speed and stamina.
We wonder what happened to the horse considering its lungs look to be in perfect health. Although we are not vets and those dark spots could have been the cause of death. Nevertheless, it is crazy how large they are.
This Great Dane Is Taller Than The Average Man
Great Danes are one of the biggest breeds of dogs. These gentle giants are adorable, loyal, and loving creatures. They are taller than this six-foot man, but that doesn't make them any less cute. They might be the size of mini horses, but we would take one of these over the giant snail any day.
The only problem with Great Danes is that they have many health problems because of their size. It is common for the stomachs to twist, which traps air. The only way to help this problem is to fix it with surgery.
River Monsters In Real Life
If you have ever heard of the show River Monsters, then you know how scary some of the creatures are that lurk in the water. This particular fish is a goliath tigerfish from the Congo River.
The highly predatory fish has been known to attack humans, and locals believe that an evil spirit enters its body, which makes it attack. With sharp teeth that can grow up to an inch, we wouldn't want to come face to face with this monster.
Bunzilla
If you have ever been concerned about a killer bunny, this one could be a contender to fill that part. This giant rabbit is harmless, but its size would make anyone think otherwise. Even with a cute furry face like that, we are still unsure about its trustworthiness.
These things could probably consume pounds upon pounds of carrots. Also, the ground probably shakes as this humongous creature hops around with those long feet. These rabbits are gentle giants, but you never know what could happen if there is toxic waste near their habitats.
A Squishy Caterpillar
We aren't sure what kind of caterpillar this is, but it is very squishy looking. It almost looks like some ladybugs caught a ride on its back, but those are attached to it to ward off predators.
After these caterpillars go through metamorphosis, they turn into eye-catching moths. They have a seven-inch wingspan, which makes sense due to their size as caterpillars. It actually resembles the caterpillar from A Bugs Life.
This Southern Elephant Seal Is A Chunky Boy
Minazo was a Southern Elephant Seal who lived at Japan's Enoshima Aquarium. He was large and in charge, chunky yet funky, and he was known for his blue bucket. He passed away in 2005, but he was loved by so many people.
Elephant seals are mostly fat to keep them warm in harsh climates. They lie on rocks and become aggressive during the mating season. In the wild, you can see them with many battle scars due to their battles with other males.
Hammer-Headed Bats Are Massive And Creepy
Bats are mysterious creatures often associated with vampires. If you get bit by one, you might not turn into a blood-sucking human, but you will probably get rabies. They are mainly found in Africa, and they grow up to three feet.
It looks like one of those gargoyles you would see in the middle ages. What's interesting about them is that they sing to attract other females. They should be renamed to the song bat.
A Lion's Head Compared To A Human
Lions are majestic creatures that roam the planes of Africa. They are the kings of the animal kingdom, and while they may look like giant house cats, these are ferocious felines. The male lion is huge, and their head compared to a human is incredible.
Although people like this man and the Tiger King have tried to make these wild cats their friends or pets, many argue that they are meant to be free in nature and that they shouldn't have to live their lives in cages.
The Majestic Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is the symbol of the United States. These endangered birds are majestic, and since they are rarely seen, people don't realize how large they really are up close. They have a wingspan between six and seven feet, and their talons are two inches long.
This woman is trying to hold it back, but the bird says, "No, I am the symbol of freedom. Let me spread my wings and soar into the sky like the beautiful bird I deserve to be." They always look so angry, we wonder what goes through their minds.
This Is One Salt Water Crocodile You Don't Want To Mess With
Saltwater crocodiles are the most aggressive species of crocodiles on the planet. They grow up to 20 feet long and weigh around two tons. The monstrous creatures are not something you would want to come face-to-face with in the wild.
This person in the glass tank probably looks like a tasty afternoon snack to the massive croc. They have the strongest bite out of any living animal, and the saltwater crocodile has been known to attack humans. In murky river waters, people might not be able to see the crocodile and become its next meal.
A Bear's Paw Can Kill You In Seconds
While teddy bears are cute stuffed animals, real bears are a different story. This woman is showing how large a bears paw is, and take a look at those long claws. This paw can high-five your whole body, but you won't be getting up again.
Bears use their long claws to catch food and climb trees. They need to have a good grip so that they won't fall out of the tree and get injured. Don't bother them, though, because they will attack you.
The Many Sizes Of House Cats
While people are knowledgeable about different dog breeds, many people don't know that there are many other breeds of cats. This is the size difference between a Maine Coon and a Siamese. Most people would say "the orange kind" or "the white kind," but they have unique classifications.
The Maine Coon is much larger than many types of house cats, and their fur is longer and fluffier. They can grow up to 18 pounds, and they are friendly creatures. Like any cat breed, you have to form a bond of respect and trust with the animal.
Eagle Talons Look Like Acrylic Nails
An eagle's talons are long and sharp because they use them to capture their prey. They are about two inches long, and they even have one that acts like a human thumb for grip. Handlers have to wear special gloves because they are so sharp and can easily pierce human skin.
There are many different types of talons depending on the type of bird, and what they hunt. These talons kind of look like the drawings of dinosaur claws, which makes sense because birds descended from a type of dinosaur called theropods.
A Whale Skull Compared To A Full-Sized Human
If you haven't seen a whale skull before, this is what they look like. It resembles something that you would think belonged to an alien. It also looks like the plague doctor mask, which might have been inspired by a whale skull for all we know.
The largest whales on earth are blue whales, and their tongues alone weigh as much as an elephant. While these are very friendly and harmless mammals, their size could easily crush many things.
A Bison's Head Alone Is Hundreds Of Pounds
This man is tagging and blood testing a bison. The animal is held in this device so the person can easily do the tests without injuring himself or the animal. This particular male weighs 3,000 pounds, which is hard to imagine.
Its head alone is the size of a fully grown man, so you can only imagine what the rest of it looks like. These animals could crush a human with ease which really puts into perspective how large bison are.
One Of The Least Dangerous Spiders In Australia
Australia is filled with creatures we would never want to make contact with, and that includes its numerous species of spiders, snakes, and other creepy crawlies. Although this spider will make your skin crawl, it is one of the least dangerous in Australia.
They are usually found in people's homes, but they are good for keeping away cockroaches and mice. While they do have venom, it is not harmful to humans like other spider species. People are afraid of them because of their size, but they also keep other gross things out of your home.
An Adult Sunfish Compared To Their Size At Birth
Sunfish start as tiny little baby fish that are smaller than the size of a fingernail. As it gets older, it grows into the largest bony fish in the world. The flat looking fish can weigh up to 2200 lbs, and they are found in tropical waters.
It is incredible how this tiny, almost invisible, baby grows to be such a massive fish. The comparison between the full-grown fish and a human is unreal. Although the fish looks intimidating, they do not bother humans, as you can see from the picture.
Leatherback Turtles Drag Their Huge Bodies Across The Sand To Lay Eggs
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all living turtles. Some marine biologists have estimated that these turtles can live for around 100 years. The dark-colored turtle is an endangered species, so they are under a conservation status to keep the populations from decreasing.
According to the Seri people from the Mexican state of Sanora, the leatherback turtle is one of their five creators. It is significant to many tribes all over the world.
People Shouldn't Underestimate The Size Of A Moose
Unless you live in areas where moose are common, people don't understand how big they truly are. As part of the deer family, they are the largest species and can be immediately recognized by the antlers. They are peaceful animals that rarely become aggressive despite their size.
Only male moose have antlers, and they grow bigger each year. These massive creatures are mainly found in Canada, which also explains why you can buy any plush moose toy in that country. They are also the official state animal of Maine.
Those Are Big Toe Beans
It is interesting to think about how much bigger wild cats are than humans. The size comparison between a tiger's paw and a human hand is incredible and also frightening. It makes you realize how incredibly powerful these majestic creates can be.
While their paws may look like your cat's, these are much different because they have razor-sharp claws attracted to them. We really hope this is just sedated, and someone wasn't hunting this tiger.
Two Breeds Of Alaskan Dogs Compared In Size
There are a few different breeds of dogs native to Alaska, and they vary in size considerably. The big furry one is an Alaskan Malamute named Phil. He loves to bark even when he is told not to, but he just has a lot to say. The smaller pup is an Alaskan Klee Kai, which resembles a Husky puppy.
The Klee Kai looks like it is one of Phil's puppies, but they are just that different in size. The Malamute can weigh around 90 pounds, and they were initially bred for hauling heavy freight like a sled dog. These two vary in size, but their cuteness is equal.
A Whale Fin Makes The Human Skeleton Look Miniature
People sometimes underestimate the size of whales because we don't see them in person very often. When you compare a whale's fin the average human skeleton, it puts into perspective just how massive these aquatic mammals are.
It's also interesting to see that the bones inside a whales fin look like fingers from a human skeleton. When you don't see something with your own eyes, it is hard to really picture the sheer size of some animals that live on our planet.
Tiger Using A Tree As A Scratching Post
While a small-sized cat would use a cat tree for scratching itself, a Siberian tiger has to use a literal tree as a scratching post. The tiger could easily over power that trainer considering it is double her size.
We would be too scared to enter the area with a tiger lurking around, ready to pounce at any moment. Maybe the trainer is up in the tree and that is why the tiger is standing there waiting for her to come down.
A Polar Bear Paw Is Bigger That Multiple Human Hands
Polar bears are adorable to watch on the discovery channel, but when you realize how massive their claws are, it makes them a little less cute. These creatures are actually black despite what everyone thinks. Their skin is very dark under the translucent fur that reflects white.
Polar bears are also considered marine mammals because of how much time they spend in the water. These bears can swim for days at a time as they track down prey, and they can smell it up to a mile away.
Shaking Hands With A Great Dane
Great Danes are goofy, gently giants. They are adorable and fun-loving, and most of them don't realize how big they are because they try to be lap dogs. It is sad that the larger the dog is, the shorter it's lifespan.
We wish we could see the rest of the dog. It is probably so large and floppy. Great Danes are so loyal, and they love cuddles even though they are much bigger than their humans.
Dog Vs. Mini Cooper
In case you needed a better size comparison for a Great Dane, this is what one looks like next to a Mini Cooper. This is Bella, and she loves sticking her head out of the tiny car window. Even though she looks like a horse next to the small car, she squeezes herself in there.
The great thing about Bella is that she could tow the car if it ever breaks down. We are trying to picture what Bella would look like inside the car, and it is hilarious. It would almost look like she is wearing the car rather than sitting in it.
The World's Biggest Whale Skull
The blue whale is the largest mammal on earth. They grow up to 98 feet and weigh 190 tons. These enormous whales are mainly found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, and they used to be abundant until their population was depleted by whalers back in the 1800s.
Just by looking at its skull, you can imagine how large the rest of the animal must be. The man looks like a little mouse compared the the skeleton. In fact, blue whales are so large that their hearts alone weigh as much as a car.
Is That A Dinosaur?
This creepy looking claw does not belong to one of the animatronic dinosaurs from a Jurassic Park movie; it is the claw of a southern cassowary. This is a large bird that is shaped like an ostrich or an emu.
These flightless birds mainly live in Indonesia, New Guinea, and Northern Australia. They are not the most attractive birds and look closer to dinosaurs rather than modern birds.
Giant Asian Hornets
Remember when the second worst thing about 2020 was the murder hornets coming to America? Did everyone just forget about those things, or should we still be afraid? The giant Asian murder hornet is two inches long, and they destroy honeybee hives within an hour by decapitating each bee.
They also have a powerful sting, which injects venom that could kill a human. In Japan, the hornets kill up to 50 people a year. The only thing that can harm them is a praying mantis.
Gorilla Hands Are Like Humans But Ten Times Bigger
Gorillas are very similar to humans in the way their hands and skeletons look. However, they are much larger than the average person. These powerful apes are massive, but their hands are so human-like.
These curious creatures are incredibly intelligent, and some have even learned sign language to communicate with trainers. Sometimes their power is misunderstood, but they are magnificent animals.
A Flood Brought In A New Type Of Ant
After a flood, someone found this massive ant walking next to a regular ant, and they don't understand where it came from. What vat of toxic waste did that large ant get into? How is it so much larger than the typical ant?
This is a leafcutter ant queen. They are the biggest in the colony because they lay all the eggs, and she will always be larger than the ants working for her. They are not harmful to humans, but they are not good for gardens.
Grasshoppers In Costa Rica Are On Another Level
We always assumed Australia was the only land of the "nope," but it seems like Costa Rica should also be added to that list. This grasshopper is 6 inches long, and we can't even imagine how frightening that would be if it randomly jumped on you.
All over the world, there are creepy looking bugs that keep growing bigger and bigger. This thing could do some severe damage to your hands if you try to touch it. They have spikes on the back of their legs that they use to kick you or predators.
Human And Gorilla Skeletons Have Many Similarities
As we mentioned before, gorillas are closely related to humans, and you can see the similarities in the skeletons. Gorillas have shorter and wider skulls, while humans are more narrow and longer.
Also, gorillas have much longer arms than humans and broader hips. Their rib cage even sticks out much further to make room for their larger organs. While they have evolved to adapt to different things, so have humans, so the skeletons have many differences.
Hungry Hungry Hippo
At the New York Aquarium, a little boy was standing next to the hippo display, and you can now see how enormous they are. Although they look cute and docile, hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa because of their powerful jaws.
Each year, 500 people are killed by hippos, so don't be confused by their cute faces and small floppy ears. While the videos of baby hippos are adorable to look at, these are still wild animals who have killer instincts.
Emu Eggs Make A Giant Omlette
Emus are another species of large flightless birds. They produce these giant eggs with tough shells that are hard to crack, unlike the small chicken egg in the middle. They almost look like avocados, but you won't find anything green on the inside of these eggs.
They look more like dragon eggs than anything that actually lives on this planet. The great thing about the thick shell of an emu egg is that they seem to be made for carving, and the green color makes them look even more magnificent.
The Largest Manta Ray Ever Captured
Giant manta rays live in the open ocean. The fish almost captured these fishermen before they reeled it in. We don't know why they took this magnificent creature out of the ocean, and it is sad to see it hanging there like this.
What is wrong with observing animals in their natural habitats and leaving them to thrive and live long, happy lives. Instead, people take them away from their homes, either killing them or putting them in captivity.
Giant Beetle Larvae Will Make You Squirm
Do you have goosebumps yet, because we do? This is a giant beetle larva, and we do not want to know what it turns into eventually. It looks like something Timone and Pumba would love to have as a snack, but we want it to stay as far away from us as possible.
We would really like to know why this person is so comfortable holding it. Wouldn't you be scared that it would start to crawl all over you or take over your body and reproduce? This is a major nope for everyone.
How Many Lobster Rolls Can Be Made From This Claw
We do not want to know what the lobster looked like who was once attached to this claw. It could easily snap one of your fingers off like a carrot, but it will probably make a few tasty lobster dishes.
Lobsters never stop growing as they age, so this must have been an ancient crustacean. The oldest living lobster ever caught was 140 years old and weighed 44 pounds.
A South American Snake The Size Of An 18-Wheeler
We should probably be happy that this monster snake dined mainly on fish. They must have been pretty massive fish though, perhaps even ones that are elsewhere in this very article. Nonetheless, it's enough to make your skin crawl knowing that these gigantic creatures were out there living somewhere, and somehow even worse that they could be hiding in the murky depths of streams and rivers, just waiting for us to dip our toes in.
The one consolation is that this specific species, Titanoboa, is said to be extinct. The bad news is there's no way to prove that something is extinct, we just have to assume since it hasn't been seen. But remember how they lurk at the bottom of muddy rivers and streams? Watch your toes...
A Snake So Big There's A Hollywood Movie About It
In 1997, the world was introduced to a truly terrifying creature that dominated our imaginations--or at least those of us who saw Anaconda in the theater. Of course people in South America have known about these monsters forever, but people elsewhere saw them for the first time on the silver screen alongside Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube. The movie may have received terrible reviews, but it made a ton of money at the box office and more importantly woke everyone up to these terrors from Brazil.
When they're not starring in Hollywood films, green anacondas can grow to 30 feet long. That's about the size of a school bus, which would probably be a good snack for one of these things. And in an interesting twist, female green anacondas are larger than males.