Strongest Animals in the World

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Humans have long admired other humans that show enormous amounts of strength. Just take the World’s Strongest Man competition, for example. But while some humans have astonishing skills when it comes to strength, there are animals in this world that easily put us to shame. In this article, we’re going to get better acquainted with the extraordinary power of Earth’s strongest animals.

Strongest Animals

The world is filled with super-strong creatures. From mighty elephants, fierce wild cats, and super strong snakes. Let’s take a look at just what makes these animals so powerful.

1. African Bush Elephant

If I told you that the trunk of an African bush elephant had more than 100,000 muscles, would you believe me? Well, it’s true! These incredibly strong land mammals are able to snap tree trunks with great ease and can lift up to 400 lbs (181 kg) with their trunks alone!

Of course, when you consider that a fully grown male can weigh as much as 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg), it’s hardly surprising that they possess brute strength. Moreover, their trunks are not just strong, they’re also super flexible owing to the lack of bones. This not only allows them to maneuver the trunk with ease but also gives them the ability to reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) into the trees.

These mighty beasts also boast tusks that can grow up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). Not only do they use these for lifting but also for self-defense, stripping bark from trees, and collecting food.

2. Gorilla

Gorillas are well-loved by humans, and it is possible to get up close to them in the wild. As long as they’re not threatened, they’re generally quite docile. But if they feel the need, then they will attack and have an extremely powerful bite force of 1,300 psi. However, they mainly use this for biting into trees.

Not only do gorillas have a strong bite, but they’re incredibly muscular animals with especially large muscles in the arms. They’re able to lift trees and other objects more than 27 times their own weight with great ease.

And of course, these are among the largest primates, with adult males getting to around 397 lbs (180 kg) in the wild and growing up to 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) in height.

3. Tiger

Tigers are the largest type of big cat, and adult males can weigh as much as 683 lbs (310 kg), although the Siberian tiger can weigh even more. This huge size coupled with their innate strength means they can take down prey twice as large as they are. Not only this, but prey doesn’t stand a chance since tigers have a massive bite force of 1,000 psi.

The tiger is not only a huge animal, but it also has a very dense muscular structure which means that, when they swipe at prey, they’ll exert up to 10,000 lbs (44.5 million newtons) of force. And those muscles also power the tiger’s super strong legs, which enable them to jump as high as 16 feet (4.9 meters) in the air!

4. Grizzly Bear

Found in North America, the grizzly bear has a bite force of around 1,160 psi. This enables them to crush a bowling ball with a single bite, although they’re unlikely to come across one of those in the wild and typically feed on fish and small mammals as well as plants and fruits.

The grizzly bear can weigh up to 800 lbs (363 kg) and possess strength five times that of a human. When they’re angry, they can become even more powerful, so, if you’re hiking in the woods, it’s always best to give these creatures a wide berth.

If all of that wasn’t enough, consider the massive paws, equipped with extremely sharp claws. These, coupled with the innate strength of the grizzly, allow it to lift more than 500 lbs (227 kg) with just one paw.

5. Harpy Eagle

Dubbed the most powerful bird of prey on the planet, the harpy eagle is an impressive avian species. When you think of birds, you might not imagine brute strength, but this raptor is a prime example. But with a wingspan of just under 6 feet (1.8 meters) and weighing no more than 13 lbs (5.9 kg), this is surprising.

The harpy eagle has incredibly strong talons which it uses to swipe up prey like monkeys and possums. Once in its grip, the prey stands no chance, as those talons have the power to break bones. Not only this, but these birds have the longest talons of any raptor, which can get to 5 inches (13 cm) in length.

These birds are able to swipe prey in the air thanks to hydraulic-like talons, and what’s more amazing is that they can pick up prey that weighs as much as they do.

6. Musk Ox

The musk ox is an Arctic species that’s incredible for many reasons. Their wool is known to be one of the softest fibers on the planet, and they’re known for their rough breeding. When it comes to strength, these herbivorous bovines don’t mess around.

An adult male musk ox can weigh up to 904 lbs (410 kg). Males are often kicked out of their herds until they’re ready to breed, and when this happens, they use their strength to fight other males.

They’ll charge at each other at speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) and collide horns in a violent display that’ll see only one male being successful and getting the girl! But you might wonder how they remain strong enough to cope with all the head bashing. But it’s because of a special air pocket between the skull and the brain that absorbs shock and allows these massive creatures to do what they do best; fight!

7. Green Anaconda

When you think of snakes, you’re probably worried about venom, but the green anaconda isn’t venomous. It’s a member of the boa family, so it constricts its prey in a death grip that is impossible to get out of.

These large snakes can grow up to more than 29 feet (8.8 meters) in length and weigh up to 550 lbs (249 kg). They have incredibly strong muscles that allow them to squeeze their prey with up to 90 psi. Because of this, they’re able to take down prey as large as a leopard and even a human!

There are three species of anaconda, although the green anaconda is the largest. They’re all found in South America, where they live in swamps and marshes, spending much of their time submerged while hunting.

8. White Rhinoceros

The white rhino is a Near Threatened species that was once thought to be extinct. These stunning creatures are certainly a joy to observe, but they’re also incredibly strong and will stand their ground when they need to. However, for the most part, they’re quite shy animals and will typically run away from a threat.

But that doesn’t mean they’re not well equipped for self-defense. You only need to look at the long horns on their heads to see that. What’s more, they’re incredibly fast and can run at speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h ). They’re also very territorial.

White rhinos are massive animals that can weigh up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) and grow to be 13 feet (4 meters) in length. With dense muscle and their heavy weight, these animals are easily able to flip over vehicles and if they hit you, they’ll do it with more than 8,300 lbs (36.9 million newtons) of force!

9. Blue Whale

The force of a blue whale is equal to 60 kilonewtons, and it’s unsurprising that these marine mammals are so strong purely because of their enormous size. The blue whale is the largest known extant creature on the planet and can measure up to 98 feet (30 meters) and weigh as much as 300,000 lbs (136 tonnes)!

While blue whales don’t have a kick force, it does have a bite force of around 19,000 psi; that’s almost twice that of a T-Rex! And let’s not forget that they don’t even have teeth.

But it’s the force of the animal simply moving through the water that we’re looking at here and this is thanks to powerful muscles in the tail. Blue whales have two main sets of muscles in their tails; one for the upstroke and one for the downstroke. Not only does the whale’s strong tail propel it through the ocean, but it also helps with steering.

Blue whales might look huge and intimidating, but they’re known to be very gentle and friendly creatures. In fact, in most cases, their interactions with humans are of a curious and positive nature. So, if you’re ever lucky enough to see one, you’re in for a treat.

Strongest Animals Relative to Their Size

Although some of the creatures we have met so far are massive, being strong isn’t all about being big. There are some creatures whose strength may be surprising when you look at how small they are.

1. Rhinoceros Beetle

Sometimes called the Hercules beetle because of its ability to lift more than 850 times its own body weight, the rhinoceros beetle is one of the strongest members of the insect kingdom. If you or I had the same level of strength, we’d be able to lift a whopping 65 tons (59 metric tonnes)!

The rhinoceros beetle is also one of the largest beetles on the planet, and adults can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. They’re also equipped with a strong horn which they use for fighting and that also enables them to flip their rivals with ease.

With all of this in mind, you’d imagine that these beetles used a tonne of energy when fighting or lifting large objects. On the contrary, studies have shown that they take in very little oxygen and use around five times less energy than would be expected.

2. Dung Beetle

The dung beetle may be significantly smaller than the Hercules beetle but that doesn’t stop it from being the strongest known insect. What’s more, pound for pound, they’re also considered to be the strongest animal on the planet.

Amazingly, the dung beetle is able to shift around 1,141 times its own body weight, and that’s pretty useful when you’re a bug that needs to move around large balls of dung. If humans were this strong, we’d be able to bench press a massive 95,000 lbs (43,121 kg); that certainly puts things into perspective, doesn’t it!

It’s usually males that are the strongest and, just like other species, some males are bigger and mightier than others. But the smaller males make up for it with speed and super-efficient reproductive systems, allowing them to quickly mate with females before their larger counterparts get the chance.

3. Goliath Beetle

The name Goliath beetle is pretty fitting when you consider that these insects can grow up to 4.3 inches (11 cm) in length. But it’s not only their size that makes them impressive, they’re also so strong that they’re able to lift more than 850 times their own body weight.

Goliath beetles are found in western Africa and weigh around 3.5 ounces (100 grams). That’s not heavy in comparison to some of the creatures on this list, but pound for pound, they’re one of the strongest. This is all thanks to their tough exoskeleton, which is what enables them to weight lift so effectively.

However, while they are super strong, they’re not exactly long-lived. It would appear that their sole reason for being is to breed and, after mating, they soon die. In total, these critters live no longer than around four months.

4. Leafcutter Ant

You might look at the tiny leafcutter ant which measures no more than around 0.79 inches (2 cm), and think that they can’t possibly be very strong. But the opposite is true. Not only do they have jaws that can move at up to 1,000 times per second when biting through leaves, but they also have amazing body strength.

This is because of the way their bodies are designed with strong joints and perfect weight distribution. As a result, these tiny creatures are able to carry between 20 and 50 times their own body weight!

Strongest Animals by Bite Force

If you’re an apex predator then having a strong bite is essential to effective hunting. This is why we see such traits in hunters, like the great white shark and the polar bear. 

Bite force refers to the force applied by the muscles in the jaw onto any given surface. In most cases, this is in reference to prey or, if you’re unlucky enough, human flesh!

When measuring bite force we use pounds per square inch (PSI). This tells you how many pounds of force are exerted per square inch of surface area from a single bite. Consider that a human has a bite force of just 162 psi, whereas something like the Nile crocodile has a bite force of 5,000 psi.

1. Great White Shark

The great white shark is one of the most feared creatures in the ocean, and they have been known to attack humans. Although, when this happens, it’s usually a case of mistaken identity, and the shark thinks you’re a meal. Once they realize you’re not, they’ll lose interest. However, in the meantime, you’ll have sustained a pretty serious, sometimes life-threatening injury thanks to a bite force that measures 4,000 psi!

Great white sharks possess the second strongest bite in the world, falling only behind the Nile crocodile. Not only this, but they have three rows of razor-sharp teeth, designed to tear through the flesh of its prey.

The biggest adults can weigh up to 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg) and may grow to lengths of up to 16.4 feet (5 meters). This weight coupled with that brutal bite, makes them one of the most dangerous killers in the ocean.

2. Nile Crocodile

Crocodiles are the most powerful biters on the planet and can exert as much as 5,000 psi with their mighty jaws. Not only this, but these are massive reptiles that can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) in length and weigh up to 904 lbs (410 kg). Not something you’d want to meet in the wild.

The Nile Crocodile is found in sub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit rivers, swamps, and mangroves. Their main prey includes land mammals, birds, fish, and other reptiles, and when pursuing prey in the water, they’re not only strong but also super-fast, swimming at speeds of up to 22 mph (35 km/h).

In those powerful jaws, the Nile crocodile can have as many as 68 sharp teeth, which help them to crush their prey before swallowing it whole.

3. Hippopotamus

I’ve often spoken to people who believe hippos are placid, gentle animals. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. They’re extremely territorial when in the water and have a temper and strength that you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of.

These massive land mammals grow up to around 9,920 lbs (4,500 kg) and have a bite force measuring 1,800 psi. While they are largely herbivores, hippos sometimes prey on animals using their powerful jaws, which open to 180 degrees and bite with three times more force than a lion. However, they mainly use their jaws and sharp teeth for fighting.

The power of a hippo bite would be enough to cut a human in half! It’s estimated that around 500 people are killed by hippos each year when they encroach on their territory and make them feel threatened. However, there is one story of a little boy who was taken in a hippo’s mouth, almost swallowed, and fortunately spat back out thanks to the efforts of an onlooker. Amazingly, after a short stay in hospital, the boy went home fit and well.

4. Jaguar

Out of all the big cats, the jaguar has the strongest bite force relative to its size. This is a fact recognized by the Guinness Book Of World Records. So strong is their bite that they exert a force of around 1,500 psi; enough to bite through tortoise shells and crocodile skin.

The jaguar is found in southern parts of North America and is widely distributed in Central and South America. They are very efficient hunters and opportunists. When they spot prey, all it takes is one powerful bite to the head.

These big cats can grow up to 212 lbs (96 kg), but with their strength and powerful bite, they’re able to take down prey four times their own size. The reason for this strength is their shorter jaws that have different adaptations to other members of the big cat family.

5. Polar Bear

As far as bears go, I personally think the polar bear is the most beautiful. However, it’s also the largest land carnivore and definitely something you wouldn’t want to mess with. These giant bears have paws the size of dinner plates and can take down prey as large as a whale, twice its own size!

Polar bears can weigh up to 1,543 lbs (700 kg) and can stand as tall as 10 feet (3 meters) when on their hind legs. The largest ever polar bear recorded weighed a whopping 2,000 lbs (907 kg), and individuals can have a bite force of up to 1,200 psi.

It’s their massive size that gives them their brute force, and the main part of their diet consists of ringed seals and other seal species. While they must be provoked to attack humans, there are more than 20 reports of unprovoked attacks, so it’s best to observe them from an incredibly safe distance.

6. Spotted Hyena

The spotted hyena is often confused with being a type of African wild dog. However, these land mammals are neither a dog nor a cat and in fact, have a family all of their own called Hyaenidae, which is made up of four species. 

Spotted hyenas grow to around 141 lbs (64 kg), so they’re certainly not the largest animals on this list. However, with a bite force that measures around 1,100 psi, they’re definitely one of the strongest. If you couple this with their conical-shaped teeth, it’s easy to see why they’re easily able to bite through bone, which they do to access the marrow within.

In order to help them with their slightly unusual bony diet, spotted hyenas also have disproportionately large heads and torsos. Not to mention that, once they bite down on a victim, they have a vice-like grip, so there’s no getting away.

7. Orca

Weighing up to 12,125 lbs (5,500 kg) and with males getting up to 30 feet (9 meters) in length, orcas are among the biggest creatures in the ocean. Also known as killer whales because of their determined hunting techniques, these are marine mammals that aren’t to be messed with.

Unlike many other whale species, the orca has teeth which are imperative when catching prey. Their cone shaped sharp teeth are ideal for tearing apart flesh, but they don’t use them for chewing. Along with this, the orca has extremely strong jaws that exert as much as 19,000 psi. It’s not hard to see why these animals are among the most effective killers in the ocean.

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that, up until now, there have been no reliable methods of measuring the force of an orca bite. The above figure is an estimate by scientists based on the behavior of these marine mammals.

Strongest Animals by Kick Force

Having a powerful bite is one thing, but some animals use their kick to defend themselves. But if you’re going to use this method, you need a kick force that’ll be effective. Animals like giraffes, zebras, and even some birds seem to be masters of karate!

1. Red Kangaroo

Kangaroos are often depicted in cartoons as being boxers. But what’s interesting is that they don’t actually box with their hands but rather their hind legs. And they have a formidable kick force that is strong enough to kill a human. While this doesn’t happen very often, it’s certainly possible.

Red kangaroos are the largest species of marsupial in Australia, and adults can grow to more than 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters) in height and be more than 198 lbs (90 kg). One of the things that makes these animals so strong is their incredibly muscular body. They’re lean and supple, and the males have incredibly long arms, which they also use when fighting.

These animals are naturally muscular because of their gait and this benefits them in defending themselves. However, generally speaking, they’re very gentle creatures and will only lash out when threatened. Although, with a kick that has 759 psi, it’s best not to rile them up.

2. Ostrich

Ostriches are the largest species of bird on the planet, although they’re unable to fly. That’s hardly surprising when you consider that they get to 9.2 feet (2.8 meters) in height and weigh as much as 350 lbs (159 kg).

Of course, flight is a great self-defense mechanism, and when most avian species feel threatened, they simply take to the air and escape. But since ostriches can’t do this, they need other ways to look after themselves and that comes in the form of a kick.

An ostrich can kick with up to 2,000 psi which is three times more powerful than the most advanced human boxer. On top of this, their super strong and long legs enable them to run at up to 43 mph (69 km/h) which makes getting away from a threat incredibly easy.

3. Zebra

Zebras look like very peaceful and harmless creatures, but looks can be deceiving. In fact, unlike their horse cousins, zebras are much more aggressive and will often attack humans with a kick or a bite if you get too close. What’s more, they’re so territorial that males will often get into fights and kick each other to death!

When attacked by a predator, zebras will use their intense kick force of up to 3,000 psi to send a clear warning to back off! There have even been reports of zebras killing one of Africa’s most feared predators; the lion.

4. Giraffe

Growing up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in height and weighing as much as 1,825 lbs (828 kg), giraffes are the tallest land mammals. They grace the African plains with their elegance and beauty, and while they’re not exactly a threat to humans, they possess a kick that could easily kill you.

In fact, the kick force of a giraffe is so powerful that they have the ability to decapitate a lion with a single kick. That’s not surprising when you learn that they kick with up to 2,000 psi. However, they’re generally docile and won’t attack unless they feel threatened. Plus, they’re herbivores, so they don’t go around kicking animals or humans as prey.

On top of having that super powerful kick, giraffes also have size on their side. What’s more, their legs are surprisingly flexible, and they have the ability to kick out in any direction.

5. Secretary Bird

On the hunt for snakes, the secretary bird wastes no time in killing its prey. Not only do they possess an extremely powerful kick, but they’re also super speedy. In just one-hundredth of a second, these insane birds can deliver a kick with more than five times the power of its own body weight. Those snakes don’t stand a chance!

The secretary bird is found in Africa, and it can grow up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) in length and have a wingspan of 6.9 feet (2.1 meters). But they’re not super heavy, tending to weigh no more than around 9 lbs (4.1 kg). 

The power of their feet is equal to around 195 Newtons, and they use this to stamp on their prey, making getting their next meal incredibly easy.