Penguins have always been portrayed as cute and cuddly creatures that can sometimes be mischievous. But, do we really know a lot about these birds, given that they mostly live far away from us in the southern hemisphere?
If the movies are any indication, they can be pretty aggressive, right? Well, we’re here to explore that subject. Are penguins dangerous? Let’s find out!
Here’s Why Penguins Aren’t Dangerous:
No, penguins are not generally regarded as dangerous. That’s not to say that they can’t be aggressive towards humans or other animals on certain occasions, though.
Penguins and humans don’t have much chance of interaction in the wild, to start with. Even in zoos, aquariums, ocean parks, or sanctuaries, penguins and humans are not really allowed to mingle. So, due to proximity, penguins are not really a danger to us.
Penguins are not like other animals that will just pounce on you or be overprotective about their territory or young and just flat-out attack, either. That’s just not in their instinct or mindset.
Are Penguins Dangerous to Humans?
If penguins aren’t considered dangerous to other animals (except small fish), they are also not dangerous to us humans. Experts say that penguins will only attack humans as a last resort whenever they feel trapped or threatened.
Scientists and zoologists who have studied penguins in the wild say that they usually have very calm demeanors. They may even be curious about humans but quickly get bored once they’ve figured out that they won’t have any benefit from hanging out with you.
In the southern hemisphere, where most penguins are located, those who have studied them claim that penguins are nonchalant birds. They go about their day without minding everyone else. They hunt, they take care of their young, and they swim and waddle away a lot.
Will Penguins Attack Humans?
No, they mostly won’t. Why is this? Most animals, when cornered or when protecting their young, will scratch, bite, peck, or pounce on you. Why have penguins not developed this kind of defense mechanism?
Experts say that it’s because A) penguins don’t have any land predators, B) it’s just not in their DNA to fear us, and C) they have a lot of confidence that you can’t harm them even if you try.
What are penguins’ top predators? That would be the leopard seals. Whales, sharks, and fur seals also feed on them. As you can see, these are all aquatic creatures and don’t necessarily dwell on land. This has been the status quo for eons.
So, penguins think that if they haven’t had a land predator in millions of years, no land predator will turn up now. That’s why they don’t see humans as a threat at all.
It’s also said that ancient penguins were actually bigger and taller than humans. So, perhaps it’s wired in their DNA to not fear us at all. Lastly, have you seen a penguin colony? There can be hundreds of thousands of penguins in one colony.
Penguins are smart, and they actually protect each other. So that could be the reason why they are so confident that no one’s going to mess with them because if so, the messer will get its due pecking.
Can Penguins Kill You?
There’s always a miniature possibility, but as mentioned, the chances of someone being pecked to death by a penguin is very, very low.
Yes, they have strong beaks, a solid body, and wings, but the probability of being attacked to death by penguins is low. You probably would have to be the unluckiest person in the world for that to happen to you, or you may have done something severe to provoke them.
But, please do take note that their beaks can pierce a human’s skin. If they accidentally or deliberately pierce your eye or any delicate part of your body, it can be lethal.
Can Penguins Hurt You?
If you touch a penguin without permission, then yes, chances are you will get hurt.
This is why everyone is always cautioned to not hug, pick up, or lift a penguin, even in controlled environments. There are designated handlers who know how to deal with penguins, and they are most likely the only ones that can touch them.
Please note that penguins also bite. So no matter how cuddly and cute they appear on the television or in the movies, refrain from petting one without prior advice. Their bite can leave a pretty mean scar.
Depending on the penguin species, their beak may be long enough to deal some damage, with some having hooks at the end, which may make the damage worse. And, we’re talking about a one on one penguin attack. Imagine if you carelessly provoke a group of penguins!
Are Penguins Venomous?
Penguins are not inherently venomous. That’s because they are actually pretty adept hunters, and they use their advanced swimming skills to do so. That means there’s no need for venom, which is primarily the case for reptiles such as snakes because that’s how they catch their food.
For penguins and other sea hunters, venom may be problematic because dead prey sinks, and that makes them hard to retrieve. So, venom-wise, you’re pretty much safe. No need for antidotes.
Also, if you’re wondering, no, penguins are not poisonous to consume. But don’t even think about it. Penguin meat has a very foul smell and does not taste very good. Penguins are also a threatened bird species, so we must do our best to keep the animal thriving.
Are Penguins Aggressive?
As mentioned, penguins are not generally aggressive. But they are birds, so their instincts may kick in anytime. They may display aggression while protecting their young, hunting, or just feeling threatened.
But unprompted or uncalled for aggression? No, not really.
What Is the Most Dangerous Penguin?
Let’s talk about one specific penguin species, the Adelie penguin. The Adelie penguin is said to be the most aggressive of all penguin species, so statistics-wise, they could also be the most dangerous.
This can be pretty surprising given that they are small in stature. Maybe that’s also why they are overprotective and defensive. Adelie penguins are widespread in Antarctica, and they will defend their young to death when predators attack.
Do you know how aggressive they can get?
Adelie penguins won’t just fend off attackers but even go out of their way to south polar skuas (their top predator) nests and destroy, even squish, some eggs in the process. Pretty mean, right?
Surely enough, humans that don’t respect their boundaries may also get what they deserve. A good pecking. Better give them their well-deserved space and privacy.
Final Thoughts
They may not be as inherently aggressive as big cats, wolves, or sharks, but that does not mean that they are easy to mess with.
In general, though, penguins are only dangerous if some fool takes their chances and doesn’t respect them or their space. Common sense is needed when dealing with these unique birds.
When provoked, they might retaliate. When threatened, they either fight or choose flight. We know that they are all cute and cuddly looking, but it’s also important to respect penguins and just let them be.
