Do lions or ostriches kill more people? This is a question that has been debated for years. Some say that lions are more dangerous because they are more aggressive and have sharper teeth. Others say that ostriches are more dangerous because they are larger and can run faster.
So which is it? Do lions or ostriches kill more people?
The answer may surprise you. It turns out that according to the data ostriches kill more people than lions do.
In Africa there are an estimated 30000 lions. Of those about 100 will attack humans each year. Of those attacks about twenty will be fatal. This means that the chance of being killed by a lion is about 0.0007%.
In contrast there are an estimated 1.2 million ostriches in Africa. Of those about twenty will attack humans each year. Of those attacks about half will be fatal. This means that the chance of being killed by an ostrich is about 0.004%.
So while the odds of being killed by a lion are about one in a hundred thousand the odds of being killed by an ostrich are about one in twenty-five thousand. This means that statistically speaking you are about four times more likely to be killed by an ostrich than a lion.
Of course this is just a statistical analysis. If you find yourself face-to-face with either an ostrich or a lion the lion is probably going to be more dangerous. But if you’re just looking at the numbers ostriches are the more dangerous bird.
What is the name of the largest member of the cat family?
Lion
What is the name of the world’s largest living bird?
Ostrich
Which animal is more likely to attack a human?
Lion
Which animal is more likely to flee from a human?
Ostrich
Which animal has sharper teeth?
Lion
Which animal has a harder beak?
Ostrich
Which animal is more likely to be found in Africa?
Lion
Which animal is more likely to be found in Australia?
Ostrich
Which animal is more likely to be hunted by humans?
Lion
Which animal is more likely to be farmed by humans?
Ostrich
Which animal is more likely to be considered dangerous?
Lion
Which animal is more likely to be considered a pest?
Ostrich
Which animal is more likely to be killed by humans?
Lion
Which animal is more likely to kill a human?
Lion
Which animal is more likely to be killed by an ostrich?
Ostrich
