Vacation in Germany: These 10 poisonous animals can be dangerous

Many people aren't aware that venomous animals also exist in Germany. Bites and stings can be painful and sometimes dangerous. We explain which species you should know about and how to protect yourself.

The best thing about vacationing in Germany? You won't run into tarantulas, scorpions, or other deadly creatures here.

But even between the Alps and the North Sea, there are creatures whose venom can be dangerous to humans. Our ranking shows which animals you should avoid and where you might encounter them.

The cross spider is one of the most well-known spiders in Germany and looks dangerous with its white cross on its back. While it does have a mild venom, a bite is usually harmless to humans and comparable to a mosquito bite. Only those with an allergic reaction may experience skin irritation or swelling.

With its bright yellow belly, the toad related to the frog appears exotically beautiful, but this small amphibian releases a toxic secretion through its skin to protect against predators. In humans, this toxin can cause mucous membrane irritation, leading to a burning sensation in the nose and mouth.

In Germany, the yellow-bellied toad is found only in the central and southern parts of the country. It lives near ponds and small bodies of water and is on the Red List of endangered species.

Fire salamanders are commonly found in mountainous regions like the Harz mountains, especially appearing in wet weather. With their striking black and yellow coloration, these salamanders are indeed beautiful but should be handled with caution: when threatened, they secrete a toxic substance from their skin which can cause irritation, nausea, and breathing difficulties. This toxin can be lethal to dogs, so better not to touch them!

Occasionally appearing in the North and Baltic Seas is the lion's mane jellyfish, also known as the fire jellyfish. Its long tentacles can cause burning skin irritations, and in the worst cases, fever, breathing problems, or vomiting. Anyone swimming along the German coast should always pay attention to warning signs. If contact occurs, seawater or vinegar and cold packs can help alleviate the pain.

It reaches a length of up to 35 inches and is, along with the adder, one of Germany's two native venomous snake species: the asp viper. However, it is found only in the southern Black Forest. Its venom is similar to that of the adder - it can cause swelling, circulatory issues, or nausea. bettercities.net's tip: do not wear open shoes when hiking.

The next candidate in the ranking of Germany's most dangerous animals is not for arachnophobes. The Mediterranean black widow spider was previously only found in the Mediterranean region, but now also thrives in meadows in southern Germany, especially active in late summer.

The bite of the Mediterranean black widow can cause sharp pain, swelling, and even flu-like symptoms.

So small yet so dangerous: The violet oil beetle, also known as the black Maybug, releases a strong irritant called cantharidin. Skin contact can cause blistering and inflammation, and ingestion can lead to severe poisoning, making the shiny beetle a danger to dogs.

Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the cute otters: the European adder is one of the two venomous snakes found in Germany. Unlike the asp viper, found only in southern Germany, the European adder is widespread throughout the country. It is mainly seen in rural areas and in heath landscapes like the Lüneburg Heath. In summer, it likes to bask on warm stones or paths.

Its bite is rarely fatal, but it can cause pain, swelling, and circulatory problems - especially in children, allergy sufferers, or the elderly. Its venom is also dangerous to dogs, and a bite can be deadly. Anyone bitten should try to minimize movement to prevent the toxin from spreading and seek medical attention immediately.

Hard to believe: Germany's most dangerous animal is a fish with a cute name. The weever fish's dorsal spines contain potent venom. A sting causes excruciating pain, swelling, and in rare cases, even cardiac arrest.

Where the weever fish lives, how swimmers can protect themselves and what to do if stung are covered in another article.

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