This article was originally published on absolutelyconnected.com and has been republished here with permission.
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of ‘massive’ animals is giraffes and whales. We will blow the lid off conventional thinking by highlighting more than 30 animals that are too massive to be true. Despite what you may think, each animal you are about to see is as real as the cat or puppy you own. Let’s get started.
The Komodo Dragon
If you’ve ever wondered if dinosaurs still exist, then just look at the komodo dragon. This lizard, which is indigenous to Flores Island in Indonesia, are not only massive, but also possess a poisonous bite.
Most male komodo dragons are about 10 feet long, and weigh in at 200 pounds. If you see one of these waddling over to you, it’s best to get out of its way quickly.
A Gigantic Bunny
Mother Nature works in mysterious ways, and this bunny is one of her great mysteries. This large rabbit was born like any other bunny, but instead of stopping growing he just kept going. Now, he is the size of a dog.
He likes to hop around the land where his owners live, and munch on grass. Although, it’s hard to imagine that this big guy is friendly judging by his face, his owners say he likes to be carried around like a small bunny.
The Blue Whale Skull
There are a lot of big mammals, but there is nothing bigger than the blue whale. These majestic sea creatures can be up to 100 feet long, and weigh around 200 tons. Blue whales still exist today, but they are very rare as whalers used to hunt them.
This skull showcases just how big a part of a blue whale is, and it is pretty shocking to see. Next to man, this whale completely dwarfs him.
Hand To Paw
There are a lot of big dog breeds, like Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Wolfounds, but Great Danes are one of the biggest. These gentle giants are pretty lazy creatures. Great Danes actually prefer to lounge around on the couch, rather than go for a walk.
Sadly, the bigger a dog is, the shorter they tend to live. Great Danes usually live till about 8 years old, and then their hearts simply can’t support the large body anymore.
The Ant Queen
Many insects come from a model where the female is the largest, and is the queen of her colony of bees or ants. This leafcutter ant queen, was spotted outside of her anthill, and next to some of the male worker ants. Most people don’t realize the vast difference in sizes between the female queen ants, and the regular male ants.
This queen might look mutated, but she is definitely not. For some reason, she has decided to join the male ants outside of the colony. Humans don’t need to worry though, she does not have a poisonous bite.
Tigers
Most of us don’t get to see tigers in their natural habitats. Tigers tend to be found in zoos because they are on the endangered species list. Raising them in captivity is a conservation effort, as they can continue to reproduce and grow the population.
A Siberian tiger is one of the biggest, and this was demonstrated when a trainer decided to show how far a tiger can reach up a tree. The tiger was able to stretch about 4 feet higher than the trainer.
Moose
Unless you grow up in a country like Canada, you probably don’t realize how big moose are. These beautiful creatures are the largest of the deer family, and are recognizable by their size and their antlers. While you might think moose could be aggressive, they really aren’t.
They tend to cross highways and stop traffic, which can cause accidents. That means you need to be careful when driving on Canadian highways in the east.
Eagle Talons
Bald eagles are one of the largest birds of prey on the planet. They are defined by their white and brown fathered bodies. Their talons are particularly big, as they need them to grasp large prey while they hunt from the skies.
Each talon is roughly two inches in length, and the taloned feet themselves look like they belong to a dinosaur. That shows you how eagles have actually evolved from dinosaurs, like most birds.
Alaskan Dogs
You would expect Alaskan dogs to be fluffy, as they need to protect themselves from the harsh polar climate. However, there is a major difference in size between these two breeds. Malamutes are known for their massive size, and cuddly temperament.
Malamutes tend to be quite vocal. The smaller dog is Klee Kai, and looks like it is a puppy but it’s not. Malamutes are working dogs, and are still found pulling dog sleds.
Grizzly Bears
When you think about bears, you tend to think about the adorable plush kind. Bears in real life, especially grizzlies are not cute or cuddly. They’re massive animals who just want to eat berries, catch fish, and get ready for hibernation.
Bears have massive paws, with long claws that they use for hunting, climbing, and simply marking their territory. If you come across one of these, play dead, you don’t want to antagonize them.
The Lion
Lions are considered to be the king of the jungle, as there are very few predators that can successfully attack them. Their major threat is a pack of hyenas, which The Lion King showed all of us.
Some humans try to domesticate these wild cats, but most have not been successful. In truth, lions are meant to be wild and run through the grasslands on the continent of Africa. They are meant to be born free.
Crocodile Tours
When you head out on safari or into the wilds of Australia, you can expect to come across a few crocodiles or alligators. If there was ever a holdover from the dinosaur era, it would be these guys. They look prehistoric, and they fight like they are.
This croc is well known because he was seen fighting with a shark, which ended up taking one of his limbs. He survived, and now shows off for boats going by.
Salamanders
Salamanders are the kind of slimy critters you associate with rivers, and other wet places. They tend to fit in the palm of your hand, and come in vibrant colors like red, and green. The salamander this man is holding, is called a Chinese salamander, and it is the largest in the world.
Apparently, the Chinese salamander emits a pepper-like smell, and makes squeaking noises like a child. There are very few of these left, which is why they must be protected.
Fruit Bats
Bats are pretty amazing creatures, but the fruit bats might just be the coolest. Not only are these bats huge, but they actually have the body of a baby which makes them a bit creepy to look at.
As their name says, they only like to eat fruit, and not small animals the way some other carnivorous bats do. You do need to be careful around all bats though, they can carry diseases with them that can affect humans.
Clydesdales
Horses have to be one of the most magnificent creatures on Earth. They have the ability to run at fast speeds, and move carriages before we had cars. Clydesdales are one of the largest horse breeds in the world.
They tend to be found in the United Kingdom, and are still used to pull carriages. You might think they would be scary, with their hooves the size of plates, but they are gentle giants.
Manta Ray
Manta rays are beautiful sea creatures that slither along the sandy shoals under the water. In the olden days, people did not understand the sea and the need to protect and conserve all of its creatures. This manta ray was captured, and then measured by a captain.
To date it is still the largest manta ray ever caught. There continues to be a focus on preserving these creatures, which is very important as they in turn protect the ocean.
The Hippopotamus
A lot of people think that crocodiles and lions are the most dangerous creatures in Africa, but the hippopotamus actually wins that contest. They tend to just float around, and eat in the wild. As soon as there is a threat, or something comes into their territory though, they attack.
The jaws can crush almost anything. Every year, there are reports of hippos attacking people and killing them. Watch these big mammals from afar, preferably on a boat or in a zoo.
Latin Grasshoppers
The common grasshopper is found all over the world, but within Costa Rica, there is a very special species. The grasshoppers there can grow over 6 inches in length, and they can get into all sorts of spaces. That is actually the size of most people’s hands.
You definitely do not want to accidentally put your hand down on one of these spiky guys. Their backs are covered in spikes, and it would be a prickly experience.
Wild Bison
Bison meat is pretty delicious, and it comes from this bison seen here. Each bison grows to about 3,000 pounds which means they are incredibly powerful. Bison tend to live in herds, and if they begin to stampede you better get out of the way.
It’s important to tag wild bison, because there are not that many left in the wild. They were hunted almost to extinction during the 1700s and 1800s.
Gorilla Hands
Gorillas are one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. If you go to Uganda, you can still see them in the wild but they are quickly dwindling in number. Poachers like to hunt them, and then sell them on the black market.
Due to this, they are one of the most endangered species on the planet. Their hands are massive, when compared to humans’ but that doesn’t mean that they are violent. A lot of the time they are just gentle creatures who want to eat grass.
Fake Dinosaur
All dinosaur enthusiasts have seen the movies from the Jurassic Park franchise. The props team had to create animatronic dinosaur limbs for some of the scenes, and this is the result. They based the foot off of a southern cassowary, and elongated the talons to make it appear more jurassic.
We would not want to come face to face with one of these cassowaries in the wild. Those talons are pretty intimidating, but they protect the cassowary from its predators.
Polar Bears
Polar Bears are some of the most beautiful creatures to watch. Their cubs bounce around on the tundra, and swim up to glaciers. Polar bears need to protect themselves, and be able to catch food for their young. That’s why they are equipped with massive claws.
As you can see, the claws on this paw are about the same size as a human finger. They could do a lot of damage.
A Whale Fin
We know that whale heads are massive, but so are their fins. Imagine being this human swimming by a whale, and they wind up next to this giant fin. You would have to hope that the whale was in a good mood, or they could flick you with it.
As well, whale bones are completely different from human bones in terms of thickness and composition.
Leatherback Turtles
Sea turtles in general are big, but leatherback turtles are the biggest. In terms of lifespan, they can live for more than 100 years. This long lifespan makes it easier for them to be killed, as they tend to get caught in plastic in the ocean, or by poachers.
They are now considered an endangered species, and many Indigenous peoples worship them.
Murder Hornets
So far, 2020 has been a bit rough, but that doesn’t mean that good things aren’t on the horizon. Murder hornets also known as Giant Asian Hornets, were spotted in North America over the summer. Everyone felt a bit scared of these giant hornets, with stingers that are an inch long.
A sting from one of these hornets contains venom which can cause a person’s heart to stop. These hornets also like to target beehives, and destroy the worker bees. Luckily, now that winter is here the murder hornets seem to have dispersed, and 2021 is just around the corner.
Huge Larvae
If you have ever seen Disney’s The Lion King then you will probably recognize his large larvae or grub. The grub is massive, and as it is a larvae for a beetle, you can tell that it is going to grow into something pretty scary.
It’s possible that a warthog or a meerkat like Timone and Pumba may just end up eating it. If they don’t, then this person holding it seems pretty comfortable making it their pet.
The Albatross
While there are a lot of big birds on this beautiful planet we call home, the largest bird on the planet is the albatross.
You might have thought it is the ostrich, but the wingspan on the albatross is anywhere from 20 to 24 feet. That’s about the height of four people who are six feet tall in a row.
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing
In the far flung rainforests of Papua New Guinea, there is a very rare butterfly known as Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing. Not only is this butterfly stunningly beautiful with its black and yellow patterns, but it is also the largest butterfly in the world.
The females are the bigger ones, and their wingspan can stretch to a foot across, which is bigger than most peoples’ hands.
The Capybara
The rodent family has a lot of large ones, like the rat, weasel, and the vole. However, the king of them all is the capybara. This rodent comes from South America, and enjoys hanging out around bodies of water.
That’s because this big guy loves to swim. The biggest capybara measured in at 2 feet, which officially makes it a rodent to watch out far. Imagine finding one of these rummaging in the garbage?
Giant Clams
There is a whole world under the sea, that most of us only get to catch glimpses of. One of the biggest mollusks in the world is this giant clam.
Researchers found it on the ocean floor, and were astounded to learn that it weighs 500 pounds, and is four feet long. If you’re a fan of seafood, this clam could make for some good eating.
The Whale Shark
When you think about big sharks, the great white shark comes to mind. Great whites are known for being pretty scary, but they are not the biggest in the shark family. Instead, that title goes to the much calmer whale shark.
Instead of munching on divers and surfers, whale sharks prefer fish and rarely attack. That’s why snorkelers in the Philippines love to swim with them.
The King Of Kangaroos
Australia is home to some pretty amazing wildlife, but there are a couple of animals that most people think of when discussing the land down under. The red kangaroo is the largest marsupial on the planet.
This breed of kangaroo can weigh around 200 pounds, and measure almost 2 meters in height. It’s always a good idea to be careful around kangaroos, when in the outback.
The Mighty Python
Snakes tend to slither around, and perch in trees while they wait for their next meal. With hundreds of snake species out there, it has been hard to map exactly which one is the biggest.
However, recent studies have suggested that the reticulated python, which measures in at around eight meters long, is the biggest on the planet. You definitely do not want to run into this snake while out on a walk.
The Goliath Frog
Amphibians come in all shapes and sizes, but the Goliath frog is still the largest of them all. They are native to West Africa, and weigh just under 8 pounds. Most frogs can fit in the palm of your hand, but the Goliath can be about two feet long.
If you hear a big croak, and you’re in that part of the world you might come face to face with one.
The Giant Squid
Just as its name suggests, the giant squid is indeed big. It belongs to the cephalopod family, along with octopi and cuttlefish. Certain species of the giant squid have gone extinct, but archeologists found a preserved shell that was more than 20 feet long.
Giant squid still exist, and tend to hang out in narrows, and places with rocky outcroppings.
Gorillas Versus Humans
Evolution has shown us that humans and gorillas share a lot of similarities. Some of these include bone structure, instincts, and even certain traits. When you see a gorilla skeleton standing next to a human skeleton, the similarities are even more noticeable. Gorillas are much wider through the ribcage, and the pelvic region.
This is because they have larger organs than humans, and while they can walk upright, they tend to move around on all four limbs. Each species has adapted to their surroundings, but at the end of the day humans and gorillas are still close cousins.
Japanese Spider Crab
This crab is one of the largest living arthropods, despite its terrifying appearance, it has a gentle, calm disposition.
This crab is one of the largest living arthropods, despite its terrifying appearance, it has a gentle, calm disposition.
The Oarfish
As you can imagine from the name, Oarfish are called such because of their long, lithe bodies. Typically, these fish measure around 10 feet long, but the longest ever clocked 36 feet.
Despite their gigantic appearance, the fish are harmless. And apparently, they don’t taste great either.
A Lot Of Bull
Sydney, Australia is home to one of the largest bulls ever seen. Named Fonzy, he is the result of selective breeding.
Fonzy’s size is definitely something to moo about. The Holstein Friesian weighs 1,355 kilograms and stands supreme at 1.88 metres tall, making him a star at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The Crocodile Hunter
Australia is also home to one of the largest crocodiles on record. Found in Northern Territory, the reptile is almost as large as a car.
Weighing more than a grand piano does at 1,300 pounds, rangers tried for 10 years to capture the 15-foot-long animal.
Brahma Chickens
When envisioning chickens, we often picture modestly sized farmyard creatures. However, nature has its own delightful surprises, including the Brahma chicken. Originating from the United States, this breed defies the conventional image of chickens with its colossal size and robust physique. Brahma chickens boast an impressive weight that effortlessly ranges between 8 and 10 pounds, making them some of the largest chickens you’ll come across.
But their unique attributes don’t just end with their weight. Standing tall, they tower over their regular counterparts, reaching an astounding height of 30 inches. They are easily recognized by their distinct V-shaped silhouette when viewed from the side, characterized by a high arching backline and a voluminous, downward-sloping saddle. Their large, broad bodies, combined with their opulent feathering, only accentuate their impressive stature.
Biggest Jellyfish
According to National Geographic, the Cyanea Capillata, also known as the lion’s mane jellyfish, can start quite small, just 0.5 inches long in diameter, and grow up to be an incredible 6.6 feet in diameter.
These are the largest jellyfish in the world, and they can sting if feeling threatened, including people. Better watch out for these!
Giant Pig
This absolute unit of a pig has set a world record for being one of the biggest and heaviest pigs ever. It weighed over 900kg, although it was just 200kg short of beating the record holder: a hog named Big Bill, who weighed 1100kg!
As a reference to make the comparison, the average weight for an adult pig is 350kg.
Goliath Grouper Fish
This might not be the cutest looking fish in the ocean, but it sure is a dream come true of a catch for a lucky fisherman!
The Goliath grouper fish can weigh up to 400kg and reach up to 8 feet in length. They can be found in the Caribbean and on the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Africa.
Giant African Land Snail
Snails are harmless creatures to humans, but a nightmare to plants. These Giant African land snails are the biggest in size in the world. They originate from East Africa but they have been introduced to different parts of the world.
An adult snail is around 2.8 inches in height and 7.9 inches in length. They make incredible pets!
Whopping Wombat
Let us introduce you to Patrick, the world’s biggest and oldest known wombat. These animals usually live for around 16 years, but Patrick lived 31 years!
He was rescued after his mother was hit by a car in 1987 and was raised in Ballarat Wildlife Park in Australia. He is greatly missed by his longtime carers at the facility.
The Circle Of Sunfish Life
Sunfish are one of the biggest fish species in the world. You would not expect this if you saw them as babies. Baby sunfish are so small they can barely be seen when you hold them in your hand. They grow to about 2,200 pounds and have opaque white skin.
You might think they are carnivores, but they are not. Sunfishes are gentle giants and make for great swimming pals while you go snorkeling.
Southern Elephant Seals
Elephant seals are very fat sea creatures. All of that blubber is designed to keep their bodies warm while they swim through frigid water. Enoshima Aquarium in Japan has a famous elephant seal by the name of Minazo.
Minazo loved to play with his trainers and show off to visitors to the zoo. Sadly, he is no longer with the zoo, having passed away. His memory lives on, though, and you can still see footage of him online.
One Of These Eggs Is Not Like The Others
Emus are similar to ostriches in that they cannot fly. Their wings simply cannot support them when it comes to flying. However, since they are such large flightless birds, they produce giant eggs. Ostrich eggs tend to be bigger than these green Emu ones.
As you can see, a normal chicken egg is tiny in comparison. If you’re looking to make an omelet or a big cake, then emu eggs might be something you want to try. We’re not sure if they taste like chicken eggs, but that’s just another foodie adventure for you to go on.