Holidays in Germany: These 10 poisonous animals can be dangerous
The best thing about a vacation in Germany? You won't encounter tarantulas, scorpions, or other deadly creatures here.
But even between the Alps and the North Sea, there are animals whose venom can be dangerous to humans. Our ranking shows which animals you should avoid in this country – and where you might encounter them.
The cross spider is one of the most well-known spiders in Germany – and with its white cross on its back, it already looks dangerous. Although it has a mild venom, a bite is generally harmless to humans and comparable to a mosquito bite. Only those with an allergic reaction may experience skin irritation or swelling.
Cross spiders look dangerous, but they are not really.
Source: IMAGO/Andreas Gora
With its bright yellow belly, the toad, a relative of the frog, looks exotically beautiful – but the small amphibian secretes a toxic substance through its skin to protect itself from predators. In humans, this toxin can cause mucous membrane irritation, which manifests as a burning sensation in the nose and mouth.
A rare animal: the yellow-bellied toad.
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
In Germany, the yellow-bellied toad is only found in central and southern parts of the country. It lives near ponds and small bodies of water and is on the Red List of Threatened Species.
Fire salamanders are commonly found in low mountain regions like the Harz Mountains, and are particularly visible in humid weather. With their striking black and yellow coloring, the salamander may look truly beautiful, but they should be approached with caution: When threatened, they secrete a toxic substance through their skin that can cause irritation, nausea, and respiratory distress upon contact. The venom can even be fatal for dogs. Therefore: Do not touch them!
Never touch a fire salamander.
Source: imago images / imagebroker
It occasionally appears in the North and Baltic Seas : the yellow hair jellyfish, also known as the fire jellyfish. Its long tentacles can cause burning skin irritations and, in severe cases, even fever, respiratory problems, or vomiting. Anyone swimming on vacation along the German coast should therefore always pay attention to warning signs. If contact does occur, seawater or vinegar, as well as cold packs, can help relieve the pain.
If you see a yellow hair jellyfish, be careful.
Source: IMAGO/Zoonar
Reaching a length of up to 90 centimeters, it is the second native venomous snake species alongside the adder: the asp viper. In Germany, however, it is only found in the southern Black Forest . Its venom is similar to that of the adder – it can cause swelling, circulatory problems, or nausea. Reisereporter tip: Avoid wearing open shoes when hiking.
The asp viper is one of the most poisonous snake species in Germany.
Source: IMAGO/Shotshop
The next candidate in the ranking of Germany's most dangerous animals isn't for those with arachnophobia. The nursery web spider is a spider. Previously, this species was only found in the Mediterranean region – but now it also thrives in meadows in southern Germany. It is especially active in late summer.
The nursery web spider is one of the native poisonous spider species.
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
The bite of the nursery thorn finger can cause stinging pain, swelling, and even flu-like symptoms.
It looks harmless, but the tiny stinging hairs of the oak processionary moth are insidious. Thaumetopoein, the substance they contain, causes allergic reactions upon skin contact – from itching and rashes to respiratory distress. The caterpillars often nest in oak trees, but their hairs can be spread for miles by the wind. Therefore, it's important to take warnings seriously and stay away from infested areas.
The hairs of the oak processionary moth are dangerous.
Source: imago/blickwinkel
So small and so dangerous: The black-blue oil beetle , also known as the black Mayworm known, secretes a powerful irritant called cantharidin. Contact with skin can cause blisters and inflammation, and ingestion can result in severe poisoning—making the shimmering beetle particularly dangerous for dogs.
The black-blue oil beetle grows to between one and 3.5 centimeters in size.
Source: imago images/blickwinkel
Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the cute otters: The European adder is one of only two venomous snakes found in Germany. Unlike the asp viper, which is found only in southern Germany, the European adder is widespread throughout the country. It is primarily seen in rural areas and on heathland, such as the Lüneburg Heath . In summer, it likes to bask on warm stones or paths.
The adder also belongs to the viper family.
Source: IMAGO/blickwinkel
Their bite is rarely fatal, but can cause pain, swelling, and circulatory problems – especially in children, allergy sufferers, or the elderly. The venom is also dangerous for dogs; a bite can be fatal. Anyone bitten should refrain from moving around to prevent the venom from spreading throughout the body and seek immediate medical attention.
Hard to believe: Germany's most dangerous animal is a fish with a cute name. The weever fish has dorsal spines that contain potent venom. A sting causes excruciating pain, swelling, and in rare cases, even cardiac arrest.
Peaceful, but poisonous: If possible, you should not step on weever fish when swimming.
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
We have summarized where the weever fish lives, how bathers can protect themselves and what to do if they are stung in another article.
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