What are dangerous Animals In Belgium?

A Brown Bear in Italy

Belgium or what is officially called the kingdom of Belgium is a country that is located in northwestern Europe the country borders Germany to the east, the Netherlands to the north, France to the southwest, Luxembourg to the southeast, and the North Sea to the west, it has very interesting wildlife and let us explore Dangerous animals in Belgium.

The land mass of Belgium is about 11849 square miles and it has some iconic architecture, cuisine, and amazing cities such as Bruges, Charleroi, Ghent, and Antwerp among others. The capital Brussels is the main commercial hub and you can enjoy some of the local cuisine and the nightlife in this amazing city.

The country has three geographical regions the central plateau, the coastal plain, and the uplands in the Hercynian orogenic belt.  The coastal plain features mostly dunes and polders. Since the country has different climatic zones and geographical regions it is home to a wide array of fauna and flora and you should make it your next holiday destination. Belgium has the most advanced transport system and you can easily move from one region to another.

When planning for a vacation then Belgium should be on top of your list and you should make a point of visiting this region. The inland features irrigated lands and waterways with very fertile valleys.

There are thick forests and plateaus in Ardennes and this is coupled with gorges and rugged terrain. All these features make Belgium one of the top destinations because there is so much that you can see and do in the region.  The highest point is situated on the high fens plateau, which is on the eastern part of the country towards Germany. It is essential to note that the climatic condition of Belgium is maritime temperature and there is adequate precipitation throughout all the seasons.  This means that there is a wide array of fauna and flora that is supported in this region. When it comes to wildlife then you might see less than other parts of the world.

However, this should not be a problem because there is so much that you can see and do in the region.  Even with a few of the most dangerous and huge animals, Belgium has a large number of dangerous creatures and animals that you are going to find in the region. Here are some of the dangerous animals and creatures that you are going to find in Belgium include:

Common adder

Perhaps many people tend to assume because Belgium is a small country that it will lack snakes, however, this is not the case because these dangerous species are found thriving in the country. The common adder has been thriving in the country for years now since time immemorial and they traverse the region in central Europe as well as the Balkans.  You are less likely to encounter this snake during your visit because they are very shy and will often be thriving in the forests. Since they are endangered species, they are often in the hiding and you will not find them on the roads. However, the numbers have been on the rise and you might encounter some in the region.

The common adder is known to have a high amount of poison. This poison is dangerous and you should look out for them when traversing the country because you might be bitten by the snake. The venom is not lethal in smaller doses; however, you should not risk your life trying to experiment. The venom is known to cause the death of cells, tissues, and eventually organs. The snake is known to release a huge amount of venom.  They are less aggressive and will often shy off into the forest. However, there is a chance that you might encounter them.

Castor Bean Tick

Ticks

This is a small creature but it is one of the most dangerous because of its ability to spread very infectious diseases. The castor bean tick does not have fangs, claws, or any kind of venom, however, when they attach themselves to a host, they are planning to suck all the blood before leaving the host with a variety of bacteria. The bacteria infection is dangerous because it can result in death. The common infection that is known to cause humans is Lyme’s disease.  They usually suck blood and when they are full, they drop and lay eggs, which hatch to develop into new ticks.  The risk of infection from these ticks is reduced by wearing proper attire. You must stay in areas where you will find fewer of these creatures.

Belgian Blue

Perhaps this is one of the animals that you are not going to find anywhere in the world except for Belgium. They are currently domesticated and you will find people breeding them with the domestication, the cows are now thriving in the Belgian lands. They are known for the blue-ish grey color on their bodies and this was created by a professor in liege.  They have a bone structure similar to that of regular cows; however, they have double the muscle mass hence, they pose a very great danger to people.  These creatures are dangerous because of their weight and at times can be just aggressive especially when they have a calf or during the mating season. You should watch them from a distance to avoid any chance of attacks from these cows.

Wolves

There has been a huge number of wolves traversing the European continent and you never rule out the chances of you encountering one of them during your trip to Belgium.  In the last two centuries, the number of wolves in Belgium had reduced to negligible. However, over the past decade, the number of these creatures has been on the rise and they can be spotted on the borders of Germany and the Netherlands. There is a major resurgence of the wolves in the country and you should be careful when traversing the country, especially at night. They are usually wolf packs at the Polish border and the Alps from Italy.  They are very dangerous and have a sharp sense of smell hence they can easily spot you. The wolves have very well-developed teeth and they are known to attack people using their claws and teeth as well. These creatures are carriers of a wide array of bacteria, which can result in very dangerous infections.

Wild boars

Wild boar in Israel

Wild boars are some of the creatures that you should avoid at all costs during your trip to Belgium. The boars are known to traverse the natural habitat and they can move from one region to another in the country. The boars usually do not attack people because they are omnivorous in nature and they move from one region to another looking for food. However, when the food is scarce they tend to be very aggressive and they are likely to attack you when looking for food. There are at times when they are also nursing their young ones and during this period, these creatures can become very dangerous. You should always look out for them because the hunters in the country have made them very dangerous and aggressive. When they see people they think they are poachers hence can be very dangerous. However, if you are attacked by the boars then you should seek immediate medical attention. The wild boars in Belgium can weigh up to 400 pounds and can run up to 30 miles per hour hence very dangerous.

The Badger

These are some of the creatures that are similar to wild boars. They are known to thrive in the natural habitat in the Limburg forests. It is imperative that you should look out for these creatures because they can be very dangerous. Whenever they have their young ones around the badgers can be very aggressive and they can cause severe damage. It is imperative that you keep your distance from such creatures when visiting Belgium.  They are experts in creating underground mazes and it is here that they are able to hide. However, if you interact with them then you should stay away because they are the carrier of a wide variety of bacteria, which can cause severe infections to you.

Further reading: Most dangerous animals in Hawaii.

Lynx

These are some of the dangerous species that you are going to find in Belgium. The lynx is similar to regular cats. However, they are large and can grow to weigh up to 60 pounds. They are very dangerous creatures because they consume a wide array of organisms from snakes, mice, toads, and all kinds of creatures around the region. They mostly like rodents and you must avoid the areas that are inhabited by the lynx because they are dangerous. When food is scarce, these creatures are known to go for even sheep or goats. It is therefore a dangerous prospect to encounter them because the farmers have been fighting them and they have become even more aggressive. However, it is not always that you will find them attacking people but you should not be too comfortable around them.  If you are attacked by these wildcats then you should seek immediate medical attention because they can be carriers of dangerous bacteria.

The Belgian Horse

This is an iconic creature that is known to thrive in the Belgian lands. This is a muscular creature that plows the land and the shrimp nets. They are huge and very muscular; ideally, the horses usually do not attack people. However, when they are provoked then they tend to be very protective and will attack you with kicks and bites. A bite from the horse is enough to break your bones.  Some may seem cuddly; however, you should keep your distance from them especially if they are agitated because they are likely to attack you.

The Brown Recluse Spider

This is one of the most dangerous arachnids that you should avoid at all costs because it is very dangerous with a high potent venom. The venom from the brown recluse spider is enough to kill an adult person and you should stay away from these creatures. They usually grow to a size of 2 centimeters long and are characterized by brown furs that are around the body. They have eight legs and a distinct thorax. They camouflage well with the environment and they are usually nocturnal creatures when they come out to hunt for food. If you are attacked by the brown recluse spider then it is important that you seek immediate medical attention. The venom has hemotoxic and cytotoxic properties, which means that it affects the central nervous system and the cells as well. Symptoms of an attack include sharp pain, swelling in the affected, numbness, and difficulty breathing among other symptoms.

Brown Bears

A Brown Bear in Italy

These are some of the most dangerous species that you are going to encounter during your trip to Europe. The brown bears are known to thrive in the northern parts of the country and they might come from neighboring countries.  They are the second largest bears on the planet and them like the environment because it is exceptionally great for their habitat. There are many sources of food from gazelles, deer, and antelopes. These bears are very dangerous because they can grow up to five feet tall and they have very sharp teeth and claws. They can attack you and they are known to be territorial as well. The bears are usually very huge and are characterized by their brownish fur. However, they are known not to attack without a reason. They will attack when provoked.

Asp viper

The asp viper is one of the snakes that is found across Europe and you should be wary of this creature when exploring Belgium. During the warm summer months, you are likely to find them moving from one region to another and you must stay aware of your situation to avoid any complications.  There are over 45 species of this snake in Europe and you should check out your region before you can move from one end to another. The asp viper usually has venom and the venom in an adequate amount can cause death.  The snake is not aggressive and it tends to camouflage in the area that it is inhabiting hence it can attack you when you least expect it. Although the venom may not cause immediate fatality, it is essential that you stay away from these creatures. Some of the symptoms include nausea, shock, fever, cardiac arrest, and eventually death. You must know the areas that you are going to explore to avoid interactions with the snakes. In conclusion, Belgium is an iconic European destination and you should make a point of visiting the country in your lifetime. You can try their amazing cuisine as well as explore all the works of art and exquisite places across the country.

FAQ about dangerous animals in Belgium

Are there wolves in Belgium?

There is no established population of wolves in Belgium, but because of close proximity to the countries where they live, wolves migrate into Belgium and you can still meet them there.

Are there rats in Belgium?

Yes, and quite a lot of them. There are more than 1 million rats in Belgium.

Are there snakes in Belgium?

Yes,  but in Belgium you can find only one venomous snake – the common adder.

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.