Ireland is popularly known as the emerald isle and it is one of the unique locations that you should visit once in your lifetime. The lush green landscape, white sandy beaches coupled with unique forests and drylands as well as rich history make it the perfect place that you should visit on your next vacation. The country is in the north Atlantic and it is in the northwestern part of Europe. St. George’s channel and the Irish sea separate it from Great Britain. It is the second-largest in the British Isles. The climatic conditions of this country are varied and this is essential because it creates a unique environment for different fauna and flora to thrive in the region. However, all these amazing features come with dangerous animals and creatures that may bound to ruin your holiday experience. Here are the dangerous animals that you should avoid in the country.
The geography of the region makes it one of the ideal locations that you are going to explore and get to understand more about the diversity and the fauna of the country. There are low-lying mountains, and rivers that extend to the mainland and central plains. The lush vegetation across the country is vital because it continues to support a wide array of animals. A large part of Ireland was woodland before the middle age. However, over a long time, there have been major changes that have affected the country and its diversity as well. The climate in Ireland is affected by the Atlantic Ocean and the winters tend to be milder while the summers are far much cooler when compared to that of continental Europe. The Irish culture is unique and the people in this country are welcoming hence you get to explore different parts of the country with ease and get to bond with different people. As indicated the climatic condition of Ireland is affected by the Atlantic Ocean and this has led to the development of different fauna and flora that are unique to this climatic condition.
Table of Contents
Why Ireland?
Ireland is one of the best countries that you can visit during your vacation because there is so much shared culture and diversity with that the English people. The incredible landscapes coupled with exceptional creatures should be among the top items that should make you visit the country. In addition, the cuisine, nightlife, and drinks in the region are amazing and many people want to sample these products during their visit. The outdoors of the country is quite unique as it offers you a tranquil environment where you can relax and unwind. If you are an outdoor enthusiast then you have arrived at the right location. You will get the best waves in this region and surfers will enjoy their time in the region.
Pine Marten
Pine Marten is one of the creatures that are common in Ireland and even though some people may describe it as cute, it is not as it is indicated because it is a tree cat. It tends to be very shy and it is often located in the woodlands. It has a very high affinity for chickens and they also have some sort of symbiotic relationship with squirrels. Since they consume a wide array of foods it is likely to transfer bacteria from one area to another as well as viruses among other dangerous things. If you encounter them and you think that they have transferred the bacteria to your body then it is imperative that you seek immediate medical advice.
More to read: Dangerous animals in Portugal
Bats
There is a wide array of bats that are found in Ireland. Bats are not very good creatures because they harbor all kinds of bacteria and viruses. The bats usually consume all kinds of insects in one night and this is very dangerous because it gets its viruses from these insects. Some of the diseases that are known to be spread by bats include the zika virus and the coronavirus. Always check your accommodation places to avoid areas that have a high bat population.
Dock Bug
By far dock bug is the most unique and dangerous creature that is in a constant cycle of ingestion and reemergence. The bug is found mostly in the Tipperary region and there are different kinds as well across the country and they are often consumed by the local people. The parasite often thrives in a host and when it is ingested it grows and some people are known to ingest them just for fun. However, if you are visiting Ireland then you should stay clear from such trials because it might cause a very dangerous reaction in your body and the results might be catastrophic.
More to read: Dangerous animals in Scotland
Humpback whale
One of those unique creatures that you are going to find in Ireland is the humpback whale. These are usually found in the deep waters of the Atlantic oceans. However, it is important to understand that they are not found throughout the year, they usually come at certain seasons of the year and you should be careful when approaching them. There are a few cases where they attack the people because by the end of the day they are wild animals and they do not like people interfering with their habitat.
Great Northern Bearded Chameleon
These are among the most iconic creatures that you are going to find in Ireland. The chameleon has a unique way of handling its predators and it changes its daily routine and manners which allows it to thrive in different environments for years. The chameleon can change its color immediately to cope with something that is around the environment and this is a camouflaging effect that you cannot get from any other creature.
The creature is among the most dominant species in Ireland and they continue to pose a threat to people if you invade their habitat. Since they are natural creatures that are bound to protect their habitat. They can spit at you and this may contain venom that can lyse your skin. Always wear protective gear when going to the outside environment and be aware of your location.
Basking shark
Basking shark is another dangerous creature that you should avoid when traversing the Irish land and waters. This creature is known to grow up to 7 meters long and it uses filter-feeding techniques to consume its food.
They are often seen on the Irish coast and they are perfect for your photos and sight. However, if they find you invading their habitat then they are likely to attack you. They have very sharp teeth and fins with spikes that can pierce through your skin. There are no known cases of death caused by the shark, however, you should be careful and avoid areas that are infested by these sharks. In the event of an attack then you should seek immediate medical attention.
Maltese Viper Bird
This is one of the birds that are native to Ireland and it often flies to vast and far lands away before it returns to the original location and fights the animals that have invaded its habitat. These birds are very ferocious and you should avoid the areas that they frequent, or better yet keep a safe distance from them to prevent any kind of attack from happening. They are among the most dangerous creatures in Ireland because they have very strong claws and these can pierce through skin and muscles.
They usually move in groups and the attacks can be dangerous. Since the bird flies to a wide range of places then there is a high chance that it interacts with all kinds of bacteria and viruses and you do not want to encounter them. However, if the Maltese viper bird attacks you then you should seek immediate medical attention because it is a carrier of a wide array of bacteria and viruses.
More to read: Dangerous animals in Croatia
Jellyfish
Perhaps one thing that many people fear when they are exploring the waters of Ireland is the jellyfish. This creature can look amazing to the eye with its translucent color and unique shape. However, there is so much going on beneath it that you should avoid it at all costs. The jellyfish has tentacles that go beyond three meters long and these are used to deliver venom to the victim because they do not suspect any venom to come from the fish. The venom is usually very dangerous and it is possible to knock out an adult person.
When you are in the outdoor environment then it is important that you avoid areas that are infested by jellyfish because they can attack you anytime when you least expect it. The sting is very painful and you will experience loss of breath, hallucinations, loss of motor control, and lowered heart blood pressure. This is a very dangerous aspect because it can lead to death if it is not mitigated immediately.
Large eared owl
This is another creature that is common in Ireland and you must avoid them when traveling to the country. The owls are known to move from one part of the country to another and with this comes a wide array of bacteria and viruses. They are known to transfer bacteria and viruses from one location to another hence the need that you should always be careful in the area that you are staying in the region. These creatures are adapted to thriving at the night and they have feathers that are so sharp that they can catch their prey at night. You must explore the different parts of the country for these owls. They are often very dangerous creatures. If you encounter some then it is integral that you seek immediate medical attention.
Otter
This is one of the most elusive creatures that you are going to encounter in Ireland. They are iconic creatures in the country and they thrive in many lakes and rivers in Ireland. These creatures often consume fish and can also enjoy small mammals, birds, and frogs. When you check out their territory they will often have these creatures there. They usually use the burrows that have been created by larger animals to store their food. These creatures can be vicious when they feel that their territory is being attacked. You must avoid them as much as you can because this can help reduce the chances of contracting disease and infections.
Thornback ray
This is one of the most iconic rays that you will find in the region. It is characterized by a diamond shape and it has spines that are used to attack the prey. They can be found in different parts of the country and when exploring Ireland then you are likely to encounter one of them. Although they are the threatened creatures, they are also very dangerous and you should watch out for them when traversing the state. Their spines are sharp and they can pierce through your skin and you should avoid this at all costs.
In conclusion, Ireland is a pristine location that you should visit during your next vacation. It is an ideal location for outdoor activities and mingling with people. Always take care during your exploration activities.
