Strongest bite force. Who has the most powerful jaws? Not with just teeth

The jaw is probably the most common weapon in the animal kingdom. However, it is worth noting right away that the list is inaccurate due to the fact that there is no data on the bite of some animals.

For example, there is only theoretical data about the bite of a great white shark, and most powerful bite In relation to its own size, the Tasmanian devil has, in its habits and power, vaguely reminiscent of a wolverine.

In this list you can get acquainted with the rating of the most powerful bites in the animal world.

10. Leo

Jaw strength – 41 atmospheres.

It may seem strange that this powerful predator and also the King of Beasts occupies only tenth position. Leo is the world's only social cat. Lions prefer to hunt collectively and it is perhaps for this reason that their jaws have not evolved as much as the jaws of some other cats. In addition, when lions attack their victims, as a rule, they strangle them by simply cutting through their trachea, for which there is no particular need for a strong bite.

Lions hunt both at night and during the day, although they hunt large prey mainly at night. They prefer to stay close to water, although they can live without it for up to five days.

9. Tiger

Jaw strength – 71 atmospheres.

Tigers are the largest representatives of the cat family and, moreover, solitary hunters. They can reach 3.5 meters in length and weigh up to 320 kilograms. The tiger goes hunting at night. Like lions, tigers prefer to strangle their victims by the throat, reducing the flow of blood and air to the animal's brain. A tiger's bite is much more powerful than a lion's, which may be due to the fact that they lead a solitary lifestyle. IN wildlife There are almost no tigers, the reason for which is excessive hunting. Tigers usually avoid people, but attacks on humans have been recorded all over the world.

8. Spotted hyena

Jaw strength – 75 atmospheres.

Most sources say that the spotted hyena's bite force is seventy-five atmospheres, but others indicate a much higher figure, which unfortunately cannot be verified. But one thing is for sure: the hyena has one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom, and its jaws are so strong that they can even crush the bones of a giraffe. The probable reason that the hyena developed such powerful jaws, is that the hyena needs to somehow cope with the remnants of lions’ meals and what remains after other large predators.

Although hyenas look like dogs, they are actually much closer to cats. In any case, hyenas are included in the suborder Felidae, like the cat family. Hyenas have been found to be able to kill a dog with a single bite to the neck. It is a common misconception that hyenas steal prey from lions, but in fact hyenas are much more successful hunters than lions and it is the lions that steal their prey for an hour. Just like lions, hyenas are very social animals and are excellent at cooperating with each other.

7. Grizzly bear

Jaw strength – 81 atmospheres.

The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies brown bear and different large sizes and aggressiveness. True, biologists claim that this is just a fiction and that the grizzly bear is practically no different from those living in Eastern Siberia brown bears. Despite its significant weight, a grizzly bear can reach speeds of up to fifty-six kilometers per hour. For the most part, they feed on nuts, berries and other vegetation, but they can also hunt. In Yellowstone National Park, grizzlies were captured on video while hunting.

Compared to other bears, grizzlies are considered more aggressive. It has been suggested that due to its enormous size, the grizzly bear cannot climb trees. For this reason (also presumably) they have developed a powerful mechanism of aggression, which allows them not only to obtain food for themselves, but also to effectively resist any competitor. Presumably this one evolutionary path led to the fact that the grizzly bear has developed such powerful jaws, with the help of which he can cope with wolves and other intruders living in his domain. Average weight The largest grizzly bear living in Alaska weighs about 450 kilograms. Contrary to the common myth about super-dangerous killer bears, the grizzly bear does not consider a person as prey and can attack only in case of old age, illness or being provoked to do so.

6. Gorilla

Jaw strength – 88 atmospheres.

Many will find it strange that this herbivore is on the list of those with the most powerful jaws. However, the gorilla is one of the rather formidable inhabitants of the jungle. With a height of about 170 cm, the weight of an adult male can reach 235 kilograms, despite the fact that these animals do not tend to accumulate excess fat deposits and most of their weight falls on powerful muscles. IN scientific literature It was noted that individual male gorillas can reach a height of two meters and twenty centimeters!

The gorilla not only has a very strong jaw, but also powerful limbs. They almost never fight each other and limit themselves to demonstrating their power. They never attack other animals, but can defend themselves if necessary. Strong jaws evolved as an adaptation to eating hard plant foods such as bamboo. The length of the fangs is 5 centimeters and, despite the overall colossal power, special mention should be made of the muscles of the jaw and neck, which provide gorillas with such a powerful bite.

In the past, gorillas were portrayed as huge monsters, but in Lately their image became softer thanks to scientific research. After the chimpanzee, the gorilla is our closest relative. Unfortunately, these animals are on the verge of complete extinction, and there are only about seven hundred of them in the wild. They climb trees well, but prefer to live on the ground; they gather in groups of up to thirty individuals with a dominant male at the head. Completely safe for humans.

5. Hippopotamus

Jaw strength – 124 atmospheres.

The hippopotamus is one of the most powerful herbivores. Although public attention has been drawn mainly to large predators like lions and leopards, as well as elephants and rhinoceroses, perhaps the hippopotamus is the most dangerous animal in Africa, surpassed only by the black mamba or mosquitoes.

Hippos tend to protect their territory, and during mating season male hippopotamuses become extremely aggressive. It happens that an enraged hippopotamus will attack even small boats along with their passengers. Unfortunately, scientists were unable to measure the bite force of the male due to their excessive aggressiveness. As for females, their bite strength is given above. It is worth considering that females are not only less aggressive, but are also inferior to males both in body weight (by about ten percent) and in the size and sharpness of their fangs.

The word “hippopotamus” itself comes from the Greek phrase “water horse”, which was caused by incredible love this animal to the water. In the past, it was believed that the hippopotamus's closest relatives were pigs, but later studies showed that they were whales.

In addition, the hippopotamus is part of the artiodactyl order, so its relatives are also goats and camels.

4. Jaguar

Jaw strength – 136 atmospheres.

The jaguar's jaws are the most powerful among all members of the cat family. Moreover, we can safely say that its bite is stronger than the bite of any other mammal.

From Argentina to Mexico, the jaguar is the true king of the jungle. The jaguar kills its prey by biting its head. Like most cats, the jaguar is a solitary hunter. The jaguar even attacks anacondas and caiman. The strength of his jaws is so great that he can even bite through a turtle shell. Although the jaguar is smaller in size than its cousins ​​living in Asia and Africa, in America they are the largest cats. The most numerous populations of jaguars, according to recent data, live in Belize.

3. American alligator

Jaw strength – 145 atmospheres

American alligators belong to one of two surviving species of alligators (the other being the Chinese alligator). The American alligator population numbers approximately five million, with over 1.2 million living in Florida. Another part of the population lives in Alabama, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Louisiana and Texas.

American alligators share this territory with crocodiles. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, turtles and fish. Recent studies, during which the bite force of this animal was measured, showed that this reptile takes an honorable third place, and its bite force is 145 atmospheres. However, it is worth considering the fact that these data were obtained from a study of rather small alligators, so in the case of more powerful individuals, the bite force may be noticeably higher.

2. Saltwater crocodile

Jaw strength – 251 atmospheres.

The saltwater crocodile in the studies mentioned above was ranked first in the strength of its bite, but again the bite force of small individuals was measured. According to experts, if the strength of these small crocodiles is translated into the strength of a mighty six-meter giant, the force of its bite can reach 480 atmospheres. These monsters live in Northern Australia, Southeast Asia and Eastern India.

Almost anything that it encounters will suit the saltwater crocodile as food. Residents of Australia affectionately call these reptiles “pickles”, but if they meet them, they, of course, would prefer not to meet such a pickle. Saltwater crocodiles are responsible for the majority of recorded attacks on humans, at least by far. the lion is more dangerous. True, it is worth noting that, like other animals, they do not consider humans as prey and will not hunt him. And since the habitats of these reptiles are designated as dangerous or completely prohibited for walking and swimming, a cautious and law-abiding person will not be in danger of meeting this giant.

1. Nile crocodile

Jaw strength – 340 atmospheres.

In the same experiment that measured the bite force of a saltwater crocodile and an American alligator, the Nile crocodile was ranked second to the saltwater crocodile. However, most sources claim that the force of its bite is three hundred and forty atmospheres! In size, the Nile crocodile is practically no different from the saltwater crocodile.

Accordingly, it can be assumed that the force of its bite is approximately within the same limits as that of its marine counterpart. It should be noted that Nile and saltwater crocodiles are interchangeable champions in terms of bite force, and their indicators will vary quite noticeably depending on how exactly the measurements were taken in the case of a particular crocodile. Nile crocodiles feed mostly on fish, but like their brothers, they tend to attack all animals that are careless enough to cross their path. These are mainly zebras, and even birds and small hippos.

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We bring to your attention ten animals with the most powerful bites in the animal world. There are animals that would most likely be in this top ten, but the strength of their bites has not yet been measured due to the complexity or high cost of measurements. For example, a white shark, which should have a strong bite, but precise measurement it does not exist except for theoretical estimates. Tasmanian devil has the strongest bite relative to its size - 13.6 atmospheres (14 kilogram-force per square centimeter), which is only slightly more than that of hyenas.

10. Leo
42 kgf per sq. cm

An unexpectedly low place for the king of beasts. Lions are the only social felines in the world. They almost always hunt together, which may be why they did not have to develop strong bites during their evolution. Another reason may be that they kill their prey by biting the trachea, which is not necessary strong bite. Lions hunt at any time of the day, but most often at night. They can go without water for five days, but prefer to drink daily if possible.

9. Tiger
74 kgf per sq. cm


Tigers, the largest members of the cat family, hunt alone. The size of tigers reaches 3.3 meters and weighs about 300 kilograms. They hunt mainly at night. Like lions, they usually kill their prey by grabbing the throat, thereby cutting off the flow of blood and air. They have a strong bite that is almost twice as strong as a lion's bite. On this moment The number of tigers kept in captivity is greater than the number of wild tigers. They generally avoid people, but in some conditions they can attack people and livestock.

8. Spotted hyena
77 kgf per sq. cm


Hyenas have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom - 77 kgf per square centimeter. With their bite they can even bite through the bones of giraffes. Most likely, it is the fact that hyenas are scavengers that causes them strong jaws. To get to the bone marrow that doesn't interest large predators, you need strong jaws.

Although hyenas look like dogs, they are actually closer to cats and belong to the suborder Felidae rather than Canidae. Hyenas can kill a dog with one bite. Despite popular belief, hyenas do hunt themselves, and lions, ironically, often steal their prey. Like lions, hyenas are social animals.

7. Grizzly
84 kgf per sq. cm

Found primarily in North America, this subspecies of brown bear is known for its enormous size and aggression. Despite their size, grizzlies can reach speeds of 56 kilometers per hour. Grizzlies mainly feed on nuts and berries, but sometimes they also hunt. In Yellowstone National Park, for example, they hunt other animals.

Grizzlies are considered more aggressive than other bears. This is due to the fact that due to their size they cannot climb trees, and therefore they have developed such a unique defense mechanism. In addition to aggression, during the course of evolution, grizzly bears have also developed strong jaws, which help them protect themselves from wolves and other predators. Grizzlies weigh between 300 and 500 kilograms. They can be dangerous to humans if they encounter a mother with cubs, but grizzly bears do not view humans as prey.

6. Gorilla
91 kgf per sq. cm

Gorillas eat plant foods, so it’s strange to see them in this top ten. In fact, there is little surprise here. Gorillas feed on tough and durable plants such as bamboo - to do this they had to develop strong jaws and neck muscles.
Gorillas used to be seen as big scary animals, but recently they are increasingly seen as “gentle giants.” They are our closest relatives (only chimpanzees are closer), and their population is rapidly declining (there are only 700 mountain gorillas left in the wild). Gorillas can climb trees, but most often they prefer to be on the ground. They usually live in communities of 30 individuals, led by a dominant old male. Gorillas are predominantly gentle creatures and pose no danger to humans.

5. Hippopotamus
128 kgf per sq. cm

Hippos are large and strong herbivores. They are one of the most feared animals in Africa. Hippos are aggressive and defend their territory by capsizing small boats and attacking people. The bite of a female hippopotamus was measured, since males are too aggressive, but even the force of her bite reached a huge value of 128 kgf per square centimeter. The word "hippopotamus" comes from Greek language and means "water horse". The closest relatives of hippopotamuses are whales and cows. They belong to the order Artiodactyla, which also includes horses, camels and goats.

4. Jaguar
141 kgf per sq. cm


Jaguars have the strongest bite of all cats and mammals in general. They live mainly in Northern and South America. Jaguars kill by biting the victim's head. Like many other big cats, jaguars hunt alone. There are known cases where jaguars killed anacondas and caimans. Jaguar bites are so strong that they can even bite through the shell of a turtle. The word "jaguar" comes from the American Indian language and means "one-leap kill." Although jaguars are smaller than their African and Asian relatives, they are the largest feline in the Americas.

Jaguars are thought to have disappeared from the southern United States more than 100 years ago, but rumors have recently surfaced that a population may be developing in Arizona. Largest quantity Jaguars live in Belize, on the Cockscomb Basin Reservation.

3. Mississippi alligator
149 kgf per sq. cm


Mississippi alligators are one of two extant species of alligators (the other being the Chinese alligator). Their population currently stands at 5 million, of which 1.2 million live in Florida. Their natural habitats are Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Crocodiles also live in these same areas. They feed mainly on fish, turtles and small mammals. In a recent National Geographic study, an alligator's bite was estimated at 149 kg per square centimeter, but their bites may be stronger, since this study did not measure the most big representative kind.

2. Saltwater crocodile
260 kgf per sq. cm


Saltwater (or saltwater) crocodiles have the strongest bite of the specimens in the National Geographic study. True, they didn’t even choose the biggest crocodile. If you estimate the bite force of the largest crocodiles, you will most likely get a bite force of 500 kgf per square centimeter.

The range of saltwater crocodiles extends from eastern India to southeastern Asia and northern Australia. Their “diet” includes buffalo, fish and even sharks. Australians affectionately call these crocodiles “salties,” but there is nothing gentle about these giants. They are responsible for more attacks on humans than any other crocodiles (except the first place in this top ten).

1. Nile crocodile
352 kgf per sq. cm


In a National Geographic experiment, Nile crocodiles' bites were weaker than those of saltwater crocodiles, but most other sources state that Nile crocodiles bite with a force of 352 kg per square centimeter. Nile crocodiles are usually about the same size as saltwater crocodiles and have the same bite force. Both of them can take first or second place on this list, since it is difficult to choose which individuals to test and difficult to figure out how to conduct the experiment correctly.

Nile crocodiles primarily feed on fish, but like their relatives, they will attack any animal that happens to be nearby, such as zebras, birds and small hippos.

Bite force is a very important characteristic for any animal, because it is thanks to it that the animal not only seeks food, but also defends itself from enemies. We invite you to get acquainted with the list of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom.

Who do you think will be in first place?

2. 24th place – Piranha, PSI: unknown

The bite force of this small fish is 30 times its body weight. Although the exact strength of its bite is also still unknown.

3. 23rd place – Leopard, PSI: 300-310
One of the five "big cats" of the panther genus, it is known for its athleticism and speed. You should avoid meeting a leopard, as it is almost impossible to escape from it.

4. 22nd place – Tiger shark, PSI: 325
This sea ​​creature considered one of the most dangerous predators ocean. In fact, the bite force of a tiger shark is only 325.

5. 21st place – Wild Dog, PSI: 340
Although the appearance of this animal is a little unsightly, in terms of bite it is not much inferior to pumas.

6. 20th place – Puma, PSI: 350
The puma is not only one of the fastest animals, but also has a strong bite. Thanks to their muscular jaws and long fangs, cougars can easily bite into meat, tendons and muscles.

7. 19th place – Wolf, PSI: 406
Wolves are excellent hunters, and their bite force is 406 PSI.

8. 18th place – Mastiff, PSI: 556
It is mastiffs, not pit bulls or Rottweilers, that have the strongest bite among domesticated dogs.

9. 17th place – White shark,PSI: 669
The bite of sharks is not very strong, but they don’t really need it, because they inflict the main damage with their teeth.

10. 16th place – Leo, PSI: 691
The lion's bite is not the strongest and therefore it is only in 16th place on our list.

11. 15th place – Jaguar, PSI: 700

Jaguars have the strongest bite relative to body weight of any cat family.

12. 14th place – Brown bear, PSI: 850
The brown bear has a bite force reaching 850 PSI.

13. 13th place – Kodiak, PSI: 930
Kodiak is the largest subspecies of brown bear and one of the largest representatives of the bear genus.

14. 12th place – Amur tiger.PSI: 950
Amur tigers boast powerful jaws and very sharp teeth.

15. 11th place – Cayman turtle, PSI: 1000
The bite force of a snapping turtle reaches 1000 PSI.

16. 10th place – Bengal tiger, PSI: 1050
The largest representatives of the cat family are famous for their strength and power.

17. 9th place – Hyena, PSI: 1100
This unattractive animal has teeth specially adapted for eating rough food and crushing large bones.

18. 8th place – Polar bear,PSI: 1235
These are one of the strongest and toughest mammals on the planet and have a very powerful bite.

19. 7th place – Grizzly Bear, PSI: 1250
These majestic animals have very strong teeth.

20. 6th place – Snout shark, PSI: 1250

This type of fish has the strongest bite among all fish.

21. 5th place – Gorilla, PSI: 1300
Gorillas' powerful bites come not from their teeth, but from their strong neck and jaw muscles.

Do you know what the maximum strength of a human bite can be? That's over 160 pounds per inch (PSI). In this case, you may feel slight pain. The question is, what does it feel like to be bitten by an animal that has a bite 10 or 20 times more powerful than a human? Yes, such animals only bite due to their instinct of self-preservation. Here is a list of the 10 most severe animal bites.

10. Lion - Bite Force: 650 PSI


As you know, Leo is considered the king of the jungle. The bite force value is weaker compared to the bite force of other large cats, for example, such as a jaguar or a tiger.

9. Tiger - Bite Force: 1050 PSI



Weighing up to 933 kg (Amur Tiger), the tiger is the largest of all cats in the world. He is stronger and faster than a lion. At 1050 psi. inch, a tiger's bite force is almost twice that of a lion. Unlike lions, the tiger is a solitary animal. It lives and hunts alone, except during mating season.

8. Spotted Hyena - Bite Force: 1100 PSI


An African animal that feeds on carrion. You may underestimate the hyena as an animal that only feeds on the remains of other animals. They have exceptionally powerful jaws. Their bite force is measured at 1100 PSI, which is more powerful than that of a lion and a tiger. The spotted hyena is an animal that lives in large groups called clans. IN large group Spotted hyenas strive for large prey, for example, like buffalo, antelope or rhinoceros. Their bite is strong enough to destroy the bones of prey. Spotted hyenas are able to eat their prey, generally leaving no bones behind.

7. Grizzly Bear – Bite Force: 1200 PSI



The grizzly bear is a subspecies of brown bear native to North America. They have a keen sense of smell, long claws and powerful jaws. With a 1,200 PSI bite force, a grizzly bear can easily bite through a cast iron skillet, thick wood, and bones. Without a doubt, the bear is a symbol of strength. But they are very aggressive.

6. Gorillas - Bite Force: 1300 PSI


Standing 1.73 meters tall and weighing up to 352 kg. The gorilla is the largest of all primates. Despite big size Gorillas are generally gentle and shy. But in addition to their enormous size, gorillas also have strong jaws and long, sharp fangs. Their bite force is measured at 1300 PSI. You may ask why a gentle gorilla needs such a sharp fang? Firstly, gorillas eat plant foods. Grind solid food Just like bark or roots, a gorilla needs strong teeth. Gorillas also use their fangs to ward off external threats.

5. Jaguar: 2000 PSI



The jaguar has the strongest bite than any other big cat. Its bite force is rated at 2000 PSI. It is almost twice as powerful as a tiger. Jaguars have very strong jaw muscles. The jaguar is a solitary animal, lives and hunts alone. They are skilled hunters and their food list includes many animals. A jaguar's bite is strong enough to pierce the skull of its victim.

4. Hippopotamus - Bite Force: 1825 PSI


The hippopotamus has the strongest bite of any other mammal. The large mouth of hippopotamuses contains a large number of incisors and fangs. Hippos use their large teeth to fight external threats. Weighing up to 3,968 pounds, hippos have a stocky appearance. Their legs are short. Despite these physical characteristics, hippos can run at speeds of 30 km/h. They are very aggressive and unpredictable. Hippos can attack even without any reason. This is why hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

3. American Alligator – Bite Force: 2125 PSI



At 11.2 feet in length and weighing up to 1,000 kg, the American alligator is the largest reptile in North America. It is not the size, but the force of the bite that makes the American alligator so special. With exceptionally powerful jaws, American alligators can tear their prey to pieces. An adult American alligator has 75-84 teeth. If one tooth wears out, it is replaced with a new one. Over the course of his life, he can change from 2000 to 3000 teeth. Although American alligators have powerful jaws, the muscles to open the jaw are very weak.

2. Saltwater Crocodile – Bite Force: 3690 PSI

The saltwater crocodile has the most powerful bite of all those tested. He is the most large reptile in the world. The crocodile is over 20 feet long and weighs up to 2,200 pounds. Their diet includes fish, poultry, crabs, turtles, monkeys and buffalo.

1. Nile crocodile – bite force: 5000 PSI



The Nile crocodile has the most powerful bite of any other Living being in the world. Long, powerful jaws are well suited for capturing prey. The Nile crocodile is the second largest reptile in the world. They live in the rivers, swamps and swamps of sub-Saharan Africa. An adult Nile crocodile is 20 feet long and weighs up to 1,650 pounds. They mainly feed on fish, zebra, antelope and carrion.

Which animal do you think has the strongest bite? A lion? Hyena? Turtle? Or maybe something smaller, like a piranha? The answer may surprise you. There is a famous saying that says: " Big fish eats small fish” and if you look at how nature works, there is a lot of truth in this statement. It is especially true in the animal kingdom, where most animals survive using a wide range of tactics and evolutionary characteristics. As you may have guessed, bite force is one of many characteristics that help animals not only in their search for food, but also in self-defense. It is for this quality that today we will compile a list of the most “successful” representatives of the animal kingdom. Bite strength means a lot - from the beautiful Siberian tiger to the fearsome polar bear, we present to you the 25 most powerful bites in the animal kingdom.

25. Orca, PSI: 19000 ~ unknown

24. Piranha, PSI: unknown

23. Leopard, PSI: 300–310

22. Tiger shark, PSI: 325

21. Wild Dog, PSI: 340

20. Puma, PSI: 350

19. Wolf, PSI: 406

18. Mastiff, PSI: 556

17. White shark, PSI: 669

16. Leo, PSI: 691

15. Jaguar, PSI: 700

14. Brown bear, PSI: 850

13. Kodiak, PSI: 930

12. Amur tiger, PSI: 950

11. Snapping turtle, PSI: 1000

10. Bengal tiger, PSI: 1050

9. Hyena, PSI: 1100

8. Polar bear, PSI: 1235

7. Grizzly Bear, PSI: 1250

6. Snout shark, PSI: 1250

5. Gorilla, PSI: 1300

4. Hippopotamus, PSI: 1821

3. Mississippi alligator, PSI: 2125

2. Nile crocodile, PSI: 5000

1. Saltwater crocodile, PSI: 7700