Woman Unknowingly Picks Up One of World’s Most Dangerous Animals

While enjoying herself on vacation, this woman spotted a small, cute creature on the beach and decided to pick it up for a quick photo. Little did she realize however, that she had just picked up one of the world’s most dangerous animals that is deadly enough to kill 26 grown men.

Traveling the world is an exciting experience that many take for granted. From the sand and sun of tropical paradises to the ancient ruins and five-star restaurants, there’s something for everyone. But one young woman recently learnt a valuable lesson about researching dangerous wildlife before visiting a new place – and it almost cost her life.

Phillips had arrived in Indonesia with high hopes, expecting to enjoy all the usual tourist delights. She headed straight to Bali – where she made an unfortunate discovery on the beach that would have been deadly if not for her luck.

As she basked in the sun, Phillips spotted a tiny sea creature wriggling in the surf and decided to pick it up – unaware that it was actually one of the most dangerous animals on earth – a blue-ringed octopus. Not only did she hold it in her bare hands, but she even let her friends pour water over it as they took pictures.

It turns out these creatures are incredibly lethal; just one bite from this 8 inch long octopus carries enough tetrodotoxin to kill 26 full grown adults. This neurotoxin acts quickly once transferred directly through a bite or secreted through mucous on its tentacles (although this is less lethal).

Within minutes victims become paralyzed as respiratory systems start to shut down and cardiac arrest ensues. It is possible to survive such an attack, however, with immediate medical attention involving intubation and oxygen from a ventilator being essential for survival within 24 hours after sustaining a bite.

Thankfully Phillips didn’t suffer any skin irritation from coming into contact with its mucosal lining – although unknowingly she was close to death.

Luckily deaths due to blue-ringed octopuses are few and far between; typically these mini-octopuses would rather flee than attack when threatened and bite only when pursued or feeling threatened in self defense.