5 Animals You Wouldn’t Suspect Are Actually Fearsome Predators

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When asked to name the greatest hunters one would automatically respond with the standard tiger or lion or the crocodile. But in nature, there are unexpected predators smaller in size that will match up to even the biggest of the predators with their ferociousness and fearlessness. Here is why Mr big the unassuming shrew is one of the most fearless predators in Zootopia.

Science Insider tells you all you need to know about science: space, medicine, biotech, physiology, and more.

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Following is a transcript of the video.

Foxes cower at his name. Polar bears follow his every order. The name Mr. Big strikes fear into the heart of many a predator in Zootopia.
As well it should, Mr. Big, after all, is an arctic shrew. And shrews are fearsome predators.

Turns out some of the most formidable hunters in nature, come in surprising packages.

Quick, think of a fearsome predator. What comes to mind? Crocodiles? Cobras? Tigers? You might not think to flee at the sight of this Northern short-tailed shrew. And that would be a mistake.

These tiny guys can take down prey over twice their size with a single bite. Their secret? Venomous spit. In fact, these shrews are one of the only mammals on Earth with a toxic bite. But even they can’t contend with our next hunter, the mongoose.

They mostly dine on insects, small reptiles, birds, and rodents. But some species also go after deadlier prey. Like cobras, mambas, and other venomous snakes. And sure, it takes guts to battle a full-hooded cobra but there’s more to this bravery than meets the eye. These mongooses are resistant to neurotoxins in snake venom. Normally, the toxins bind to muscle cell receptors which blocks signals from the brain, causing paralysis. But certain mongooses have specially shaped receptors that fend off the toxins.

Next up, the giant otter. On average, they’re about as long as a human man is tall. And usually, prefer prey like catfish and piranhas. But on rare occasions, they’ve been known to go after anacondas and croc-like caimans at least twice their length. And they don’t even have any secret weapons, like toxic saliva, for help! Just their fellow otters since they sometimes hunt in groups.

But believe it or not, there’s another type of weasel who goes after even bigger quarry. The Wolverine. Wolverines are about the size of a border collie. And have been known to hunt caribou! They like to ambush their prey and when that doesn’t work, they have the gall to try and steal prey from larger predators like wolves and bears.

Last but certainly not least is perhaps the most unsuspecting predator of them all. Meet the Epomis beetle. Right after birth, these hungry larvae are already on the hunt. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are a tasty meal. But the newborns can’t just chase these large meals down. Instead, they lure their prey by tricking it into attacking them. Then, they swing around, sink their hooked jaws into the flesh, and latch on. Mmm, lunch time!

Whether you’re dealing with a beetle or a weasel, the lesson’s clear, size isn’t everything. Are there any unsuspecting predators we missed? Let us know in the comments. And thanks for watching.
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Otters be like:

*United we feast, divided we starve.*

jybong
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You forgot the stoat. The stoats are small weasels and are known to kill more than five times their body size. They are known to hypnotize rabbits by jumping up and down closer and closer until the Rabbit gets its last minute alive.

zezekingyo
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Love how this channel gets straight to the point instead of other channels taking 50 years to move on

valj
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*size isn't everything* that's what she said

jul
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The most fearsome animal of them all....



Hoomans!

ziljin
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1:20 A realistic Represantation of Seviper Vs Zangoose

Edit : I know it looks like more Arbok but, Hey.Zangoose and Seviper are rivals

NoobMaster-tndi
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This video was brought to you by Disney

JustinY.
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Why isn’t that future school shooter that everyone picks on not on this list?

yourdailydada
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You know who or what is the most unexpecting thing at all?


Your mom

Why? When ur playing online games and ur mom busts in and told u to go to an errand

typicalfella
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I feel like the plural of mongoose should be mongeese, but it’s definitely not. It confuses me.

DaTibsters
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1. My cute toy poodle. She one time ate a frog I found in my backyard

checkmyplaylist
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If I were that bear I would have backed off sooner *before* the wolverine took out the adamantium claws.

Wolfiyeethegranddukecerberus
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Mr big from zootopia is an aggressive arctic shrew. This is actually an accurate description.

SlapstickGenius
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At the end when she said size isn't everything, I was like "so do you wanna get together" 🤣

leoclifford
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Honey Badgers...Honey Badgers are like the Chuck Norris of the Animal Kingdom.

MasterJongXG
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"Wolverine"
Me : *spits juice* ...







*i kNeW x-mEn wAs rEAl*

Sugakiyo
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It's funny that Mr Big the arctic shrew from Zootopia is actually tiny and that is considered ironic and I like irony. And I like Zootopia as well.

JesusMartinez-rrry
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**sees thumbnail**
Yes, Fearsom Preditors
Tiger
Lion
Snake
_Possum Godfather_

Diabhork
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The beetle is definitely the most surprising but I’ve heard of bugs taking on things twice their size so yeah

prehistoricfanboy
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I think of mink and kestrels when I think of predator. Mink in action are insane

KevinRAAMAAAGE