10 Animals You're Glad Don't Exist Anymore
Let's be honest, the world is already full of surprises, some good, some... less good. Imagine if some of the creatures from prehistoric times were still kicking around!
Thankfully, evolution and extinction have done us a solid. So, let’s celebrate the ten extinct animals we're secretly (or not so secretly) relieved to not encounter on our morning walks.
1. Jaekelopterus: The Sea Scorpion That Ruled (and We're Glad It Doesn't Anymore)
Think scorpions are creepy? Meet Jaekelopterus, a sea scorpion the size of a small car! Imagine stumbling upon one of these bad boys while you're paddling in the ocean.
Nope, nope, nope! Glad these guys decided to retire from the gene pool.
2. Megalodon: Jaws... But Like, REALLY Jaws
Megalodon, the giant prehistoric shark, makes Jaws look like a goldfish. This thing was basically a swimming building with teeth.
Can you imagine it circling your boat? We're very happy that we don't have to worry about needing a boat that can survive such attacks!
3. Titanoboa: The Snake That Could Eat a Cow (and Maybe a Car)
Regular snakes already give some people the heebie-jeebies. Now picture a snake the length of a school bus – that's Titanoboa.
It's big enough to swallow a human whole without even a hiccup. Walking in the Amazon would be a lot less relaxing if you constantly had to worry about this.
4. Pulmonoscorpius: The Land Scorpion That Could Hunt Small Dogs
Just when you thought the sea scorpions were bad enough, here comes Pulmonoscorpius, a land scorpion about three feet long. Suddenly a spider in your house seems far less threatening.
These would make garden parties a lot more interesting, but also a lot more terrifying!
5. Argentavis: The Bird That Could Carry You Away
Ever been annoyed by pigeons? Well, be thankful you don’t have to deal with Argentavis, a bird with a wingspan bigger than a small airplane.
It's a bird that could literally snatch you up and fly away! Forget bird watching, we'd all be bird running!
6. Andrewsarchus: The Wolf-Like Beast That Was Anything But Friendly
Andrewsarchus was a giant, wolf-like creature with a head the size of a small child. While no one knows for sure what it ate, probably a lot.
It's unlikely we'd be calling it "man's best friend" if it were still around.
7. Deinotherium: The Upside-Down Elephant With a Bad Attitude
Elephants are cool, but Deinotherium? Not so much. Imagine an elephant with its tusks curving downwards from its lower jaw.
Probably using them to rip up the ground, and probably grumpy while doing it. Let's stick with regular elephants, thanks.
8. Entelodon: The Hell Pig That Would Ruin Your Picnic
They called Entelodon "hell pigs" for a reason. These were massive, carnivorous, and frankly, terrifying-looking creatures. No one would leave scraps of food.
They look like something straight out of a horror movie! You wouldn’t want to see these lurking around your local farm.
9. Megatherium: The Giant Ground Sloth That Could Crush You With a Hug
Sloths are slow and cuddly, right? Not Megatherium. This giant ground sloth was the size of an elephant and had claws that could rip through trees.
It would probably give you a hug you wouldn't walk away from. A very strong hug.
10. Quetzalcoatlus: The Flying Reptile Straight From Nightmares
Last, but certainly not least, Quetzalcoatlus. It was a flying reptile with a wingspan of over 35 feet. Forget small talk!
Imagine seeing one of these soaring overhead! It is the size of a giraffe.
So, there you have it! Ten extinct animals that, while fascinating to learn about, we're all probably a little bit glad are no longer roaming the Earth. Let’s appreciate the relative peace and quiet of our current animal kingdom!
