Top 10 scariest 'olfactory terrorists' in the world

In the wild animal world, there are some species that use their own body odor to create a layer of protection against predators.

The smelliest animals on earth

10. King snake

The king snake, also known as the Taiwan stink snake , is a large, beautifully colored snake that lives in open forests or grasslands in China and northern Vietnam. This snake is known as the 'Queen of Stinks' because it can secrete a pungent odor from its post-anal glands.

In the wild, when threatened and with no way to escape, king snakes will secrete a foul odor to repel predators. Despite their unpleasant odor, king snakes are still kept as pets by some people and their main food is mice.

9. Earwig

Earwigs are small, dark insects found throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are mostly nocturnal, and during the day they hide under rocks and in crevices in the ground to avoid the sun. When threatened, earwigs secrete a yellow, foul-smelling liquid to ward off predators such as toads, frogs, and some lizards.

8. Wood Cuckoo

The woodcock is a medium-sized, long-billed bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is quite attractive in its green, blue, or purple coloration. Despite this, many people hate this bird because it smells like rotten eggs.

According to scientists, this is an effective weapon to help wood pigeons protect their nests from predators.

7. Tasmanian Devil

This is a strange mammal found only in the Australian state of Tasmania. Despite its ferocious appearance and terrifying cries, this animal is not dangerous to humans.

However, very few people want to come into contact with this animal, because they always secrete an extremely unpleasant pungent smell when in danger.

6. Wolverine

Wolverines are muscular, small bear-like animals and are the largest of the weasel family. They live primarily in the boreal forests and tundra of the Alps, northern Canada, Alaska and Siberia.

In addition, Wolverine is also known by another name 'skunk bear' because they secrete an extremely unpleasant pungent smell when marking their territory.

5. Stink Bug

Stink bugs are a family of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. When in danger or suddenly passive, stink bugs will secrete an extremely unpleasant smell, even stunning some animals. This is the stink bugs' defense mechanism against predators.

4. Striped Skunk

The striped skunk or polecat is a mammal in the family Skunkidae, order Carnivora. It is one of the most 'infamous' animals in Canada and the United States because it can spray an extremely foul-smelling bait slime up to 3 meters away.

Although this slime is not harmful, it can leave the victim with an unpleasant odor for days.

3. Bombardier Beetle

Bombardier beetles are named for their unusual defense strategy. When threatened, Bombardier Beetles will spray a foul-smelling, hot, toxic chemical.

According to scientists, the main components of this chemical are hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide. When these two substances are combined with an enzyme in the body of the bombardier beetle, they create a mixture with a temperature of up to nearly 100 degrees Celsius, which can cause burns to humans and many other animals.

2. African striped skunk

As the name suggests, these animals are found in many regions across Africa and they are extremely smelly. In fact, the stench is strong enough to travel dozens of meters away.

1. Small anteater

The little anteater is an extremely stinky animal. In fact, its stench is 5-7 times worse than old mud puddles. The stench is emitted from a gland located under the little anteater's tail and it is used to ward off predators.