Part 2
In Terrors of Nature we try to introduce you to some of the most evil, vicious, and frankly underated, dangerous animals, hopefully proving that man eating sharks and their ilk aren't the only ones to be scared witless about. So, without further ado, we are pleased to bring you some more lethal, though lesser known, representatives from the animal kingdom...
Number 5: Australian Stalking Pigeon (Columba evilus )
Though not in its own right strictly deadly, the Stalking Pigeon of Australia is still quite unpleasant and is each year responsible for a number of deaths. Although it is not known why the Stalking Pigeon will follow an individual person for years on end, often causing mental breakdown and occasionally the suicide of the unfortunate victim. Using its navigational skills, the pigeon will travel hundreds of miles in order to ensure that it maintains its vigilant watch. In a well known case, a farmer from Southern Australia travelled 2000 miles north by aeroplane in order to escape his pigeon follower. The following day he heard a tapping on his hotel window. Somehow the Stalking Pigeon had found him. After a desperate call to his wife, the farmer attempted to shoot the pigeon, but failed, and then shot himself. Many similar cases have been recorded and it is this that leads us to include the Stalking Pigeon in these pages.
Number 6: Sabre Toothed Guinea Pig (Cavia samuraii)
Closely related to the domestic Guinea Pig, the Sabre Toothed variety is found in the foothills of the South American Andes. This lethal rodent mainly confines itself to attacking livestock but in times when food is short or when threatened it will attack and kill humans, leaping at the victim's neck and sinking it's six inch long serated edged canine teeth deep into the neck of it's prey whilst squeaking mercilessly.
Number 7: Bermudan Bristly Bomb Fish (Semtexus semtexia)
Found in the warm waters of the area known as the Bermuda Triangle, the Bristly Bomb Fish is rightfully feared and respected by other marine life and seamen. Upon the approach of another creature, or a human, that the fish feels may be a threat, it puffs itself up to nearly twice it's normal size. If the threat approaches any closer to, or touches, the fish, it will explode sending a volley of sharp bristly shrapnel towards, and generally through, it's attacker. Although this in itself is dangerous enough, the fish is also known to leap out of the water and onto passing boats, and then detonate. A number of vessels have been sunk after inadvertently sailing through a school of Bristly Bomb Fish. Sea anglers catching these fish are advised to cut their line and seek cover immediately.
Number 8: The Skewering Eagle (Aquila kamikazus)
One of nature's strangest creatures, the Skewering Eagle inhabits sea cliffs around the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It's 16 inch long pointed beak is specially adapted to catch fish, but has a secondary and deadly use. When approached by what it feels is a predator, for example a polar bear or a human, the eagle will fly to a great height and then dive on the approaching person aiming directly for the unfortunate soul's head. Combined with a speed when diving of up to 100 miles an hour, the Skewering Eagle's sharp beak is no match for any flesh or bone and passes directly through the victim's head, killing them. This also results in the death of the eagle, which is why this is now one of the most endangered species in the World.