15 Terrifying Animals That Are Way Smaller Than You

There are venomous snakes on every continent except for Antarctica, and on every single continent, humans have adapted to living in close proximity to these dangerous creatures. For some venomous snakes, the venom causes a slight illness that lasts a few days, while others can kill a person in less than a day. Then there’s the fer-de-lance, which combines both elements, and infects its bite victims with one of the most devastating venom compounds in the entire reptile kingdom.

For people living in Central America, this is one of the most terrifying creatures in the entire region, and in Yucatan, Mexico, it's responsible for more snakebites than any other species. Although it doesn't get any larger than 6 feet long, it makes up for its small size with a ridiculously-powerful venom. 

If bitten, you can experience anything from significant swelling, to bleeding from the nose and gums, to severe necrosis that can lead to amputation of limbs.

What makes it more terrifying is, a) it's a very unpredictable and aggressive snake, especially when cornered; and b) it's a master of camouflage, and many people don't know one's nearby until it's too late. Although few people die from these snakes these days, considering the kinds of effects of getting bitten, death might seem an easier and less painful prospect.