For many, the mere thought of a shark causes their jaw to drop in fear.
The media has done a good job of reinforcing the public's fear of these "lean, mean, killing machines." However, sharks are deeply misunderstood. Here are 11 other animals more deadly than sharks:
1. Mosquitoes
They may be small, but they can be mighty killers. Mosquitoes have the potential to infect humans with some of the most deadly infectious diseases, especially Malaria. Hundreds of thousands of people, predominantly in Africa, die each year from mosquito bites.
2. Snails
Certain fresh water snails carry a parasite that is blamed for about 10,000 deaths annually. These snails are said to live in subtropical and tropical regions around the world. They burrow into human skin to lay their eggs.
3. Hippos
3,000 people are killed each year in Africa from hippos.
SHARK TANK:Diver proposes inside a Tempe shark tank
4. Deer
Be careful of deer when you're driving. Deer kill an average of 130 people each year in the US alone, mostly due to car accidents.
5. Jellyfish
Jellyfish prove getting stung can be worse than getting bit. As many as 40 people die each year in the Philippines from jellyfish.
6. Bees
Their buzz can do more than sting. Bees kill about 50 people each year in the US. Many of these deaths are from allergic reactions.
7. Dogs
While they may be known as man's best friend, they aren't always friendly. Dogs are responsible for thousands of bites and about 30 deaths each year in the US.
SURFER ATTACKED: Video of shark attack in South Africa
8. Ants
Alone they are tiny, but together a colony of ants can do a lot of damage. 30 people die from ant bites each year in the US. Fire ants are the most deadly.
9. Cows
Moooove it or lose it. Cows kill about 20 people each year in the US.
10. Horses
While they may be fun to ride, horses can be dangerous. Similar to cows, horses also kill about 20 people each year in the US.
AFTERMATH:12 News reporter witness shark attack
11. Spiders
Some spiders have a bite that packs a punch. Spiders kill 7 people each year in the US due to infectious bites.
12. Venomous snakes and lizards
These reptiles kill 6 people each year in the US.
Next time you find yourself worrying about what's lurking beneath the surface, remember: sharks only kill one person each year in the US.
