Worst Places for Animal Attacks

Amazon River Basin, Brazil: Piranha

There are an estimated 40 species of piranha, but the Pygocentrus nattereri, or red-bellied piranha—found in the Amazon River Basin—is thought to be the most vicious, often devouring its victim’s flesh to the bone. Only three piranha deaths in total exist on record, but attacks are common, especially during the dry warm season when food is scarce and fish become desperately isolated in small ponds.

Survival Tip: Be swift and quiet, and don’t enter the water barefoot; piranha like to attack feet.

Safe Spotting: Larger than France, Brazil’s Pantanal is the world’s biggest wetland. Outfitter Dehouche can arrange a piranha fishing excursion at a pesqueiro (fishing camp), where you can sample grilled piranha, the safest (and tastiest) way to encounter the deadly fish.