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The 10 Most Loved Animals & The 10 Most Feared


The 10 Most Loved Animals & The 10 Most Feared


What Are Your Thoughts On The Animals Of Our World?

Most animals will fit into two categories: you either love them or you're scared of them. And while these wild creatures are all unpredictable, some just seem far more approachable than others. It's time to see how your opinion on animals fares with the rest of the world! Here are 10 animals that are typically loved by the mass majority of the population, and 10 that are regularly feared. 

panda bear on gray plank near green plantChris Curry on Unsplash


1. Dogs

They're called man's best friend for a reason! Unless you're allergic or have had a bad experience with one, most people love dogs and appreciate their fun spirit, cuddly nature, and wide variety. There's a unique breed for every lifestyle, making these furry friends compatible with so many different types of people. 

two brown and white dogs running dirt road during daytimeAlvan Nee on Unsplash

2. Cats

Though they're often seen as less affectionate than dogs, cats are just as popular and make for great companions. Their soft and fluffy nature is a definite plus, but most people are just fascinated by their funny and strange behaviors. They're entertaining and cute animals to say the least!

four assorted-color tabby kittens on brown basketJari Hytönen on Unsplash

3. Horses

Often seen as free and spirited creatures, horses are a favorite animal to many. Whether you're obsessed with horseback riding or simply love seeing these animals roam and run around, they just carry such a graceful and magnificent quality to them. They're hard not to adore.

brown horseJacques Bopp on Unsplash

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4. Lions

Despite being dangerous animals that could rip you to shreds, lions are a favorite because of what they represent. They're majestic kings of the jungle, carrying with them a sense of ferociousness and strength that people love and want to embody. It's common to see them as background pictures or even tattoos because of their symbolic meaning!

adult lion walking beside treeFrancesco on Unsplash

5. Dolphins

These unique marine animals aren't just cute by nature, they're also incredibly smart and are fun to watch! People often spend hundreds of dollars to go out to sea just for a chance to glimpse these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. 

dolphinÁdám Berkecz on Unsplash

6. Sea Otters

One of the cutest animals out there, sea otters are beloved not just for their adorable appearance, but because of their need to cuddle. As they float on their backs in the water holding each other closely, you just can't help but snap away at the cuteness of it it all. They just look like marine teddy bears!

a group of sea otters swimming in the oceanKedar Gadge on Unsplash

7. Pandas

We're almost certain that many of you would choose a panda as your spirit animal. Why? These adorable and fluffy bears live the ideal lifestyle: sleep, eat, be lazy, and repeat. So many viral videos online capture their sweet innocence, making viewers fall in love with their funny behaviors. 

white and black panda on brown wooden fence during daytimeLukas W. on Unsplash

8. Penguins

One of the most popular attractions found in zoos or aquariums, everyone will always line up to go see the penguins. They're fascinating animals that you don't get to see otherwise, and many fall in love with the way they waddle around. 

penguins on gray concrete pavement during daytimeHubert Neufeld on Unsplash

9. Quokkas

Found primarily in Australia, quokkas have got to be the friendliest looking animals around. Their massive smiles definitely have something to do with that! They just have a very endearing quality to them that makes you wish you could take one home as a pet. 

Sergey GukSergey Guk on Pexels

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10. Giraffes

We're not sure what it is about these long-necked animals, but something about giraffes is just so lovable and endearing. They seem like rather peaceful creatures who just want to find a good tree where they can enjoy some leaves, with their beautiful coat of fur adding to their beautiful appeal. 

group of giraffes on brown grass field during daytimeMARIOLA GROBELSKA on Unsplash

1. Sharks

Even though the actual risk of a shark attack is a lot lower than you might think, one look at these terrifying underwater creatures is enough to make you start sweating. With their piercing eyes, sharp teeth, and overexaggerated bloodthirsty nature, it's hard not to fear these kings of the ocean. 

selective focus photography of sharkDavid Clode on Unsplash

2. Snakes

Slithering their way across the floor, there's just something inherently unsettling about snakes. From their slippery, scaly bodies to their deadly eyes and venomous fangs, these reptiles definitely aren't one most people want to mess with. While some are fascinated and even own them as pets, the vast majority want nothing to do with them.

black and brown snake in close up photographyJames Wainscoat on Unsplash

3. Crocodiles

Crocodiles just look like animals that want to hurt you! With their massive bodies, dangerous tails, spiky exteriors, and deadly teeth, we don't know anyone who would want a face-to-face encounter with one of these beasts. They feel as if they belong to a prehistoric time, with their dinosaur-esque nature making you want to be anything but friends. 

crocodile on body of water during daytimeThomas Couillard on Unsplash

4. Polar Bears

Despite their majestic nature with their thick, white coat of fur, polar bears only look cute in appearance - we know how deadly they can be! Often called one of the deadliest animals on the planet, these apex predators will have no problem hunting you down. Most people also underestimate just how large these creatures can grow to be!

polar bear on snow covered ground during daytimeHans-Jurgen Mager on Unsplash

5. Cheetahs

Known as some of the fastest animals alive, the fear of cheetahs comes purely from knowing how fast they can run. In other words, you'd never be able to outrun one if you were put in a life-or-death scenario! While they might be more docile compared to other wild cats, once you've been marked as prey, it's terrifying to think about how quickly they'd catch you.

2 cheetahs at field during daytimeHari Nandakumar on Unsplash

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6. Hyenas

If The Lion King is what started your fear of hyenas, we'd say the movie did a good job. These animals are often represented badly in legends and media, acting as symbols of evil. These carnivorous animals definitely look the part though, with their unique spotted fur and sharp teeth being enough to scare anyone away. 

selective focus photography of hyena standing on brown grass during daytimeAlan J. Hendry on Unsplash

7. Vultures

The moment you see a vulture around, you know death is also nearby - which is a terrifying thought! These scavengers are never good news and more often than not are seen as terrible omens that bring people bad luck. Don't even get us started on how creepy they look too!

gray and white bird on brown tree branch during sunsetAbhishek Singh on Unsplash

8. Skunks

While these animals certainly don't look as terrifying or menacing as the others on this list, skunks definitely still make the list of most feared animals. Because instead of scaring people off with sharp claws or teeth, they carry a different deadly weapon: their smell. Releasing an awfully stinky stench when scared, skunks have a defense mechanism that can make any grown man cry. 

selective focus photography of skunkBryan Padron on Unsplash

9. Raccoons

Known for being thieves and troublemakers, every homeowners worst fear is dealing with pesky raccoons making a mess out of their trash cans. And with the added fear of accidentally catching rabies from a raccoon carrying the disease, it simply makes them feared creatures people tend to stay far away from. 

black and white animal on green grass during daytimeJoshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

10. Rats

It has been many decades since the Bubonic Plague, but it was an event so terrible that the rats still have a bad reputation for being carriers. These pesky rodents are never a beloved sight, whether you see them out in the street, in an alleyway, or worst of all, in your own backyard. 

brown mouse on green grassBrett Jordan on Unsplash