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While we as humans continue to try (and fail) to live in peace and harmony, it is worth remembering that the world around us is a brutal, unforgiving place.

We have tamed our lives to such an extent that it is easy to turn a blind eye to the horrors of nature, sure, we as a species are far more damaging to our planet than all others put together, but let's not pretend that it's all sweetness and light out there!

This list, compiled by Bored Panda, is a reminder that we live in a scary world. Some of these things are simply wonders of nature that we may not like the look of, like spiders and centipedes. Some show the raw power of the elements, while others illustrate the horrific things that other creatures to do each other in order to survive. All of these things are awe-inspiring examples of nature, something not to be feared, but to be respected. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#1

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

Freddie83 Report

#2

Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

Heanshii Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love "pet" spiders, as I call them. They live in one corner of your apartment, feed on insects and sometimes climb down to investigate your belongings. If I happen to become roommates with one, I always make a point to leave some water for it to drink, if it needs it. My favourite spider of this kind used to live in my mom's bedroom. It only had 5 legs and we named it Oggie. The tiny spider loved to crawl on my mom's sketches(she's an engineer) and kept her company. I was 5 at the time and it was one of the first examples of invertebrates' personalities I was to see.

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#3

Seaweed In The Waves

Seaweed In The Waves

perc10 Report

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Cyndi H
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stupid question but isn't that dangerous? Like I always hear of people being pulled in by this kinda seaweed (there is lots in Cape Town where I live) So what happens if you fall off your board?

CultOfBambi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's creepy but probably not dangerous unless you somehow get tangled in it and can't get to the surface.

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Wyndmere
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just waiting to wrap you up and express mail you to the ocean floor.

I dunno lmao
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok...Im not going into the water after I got stung by a jellyfish last summer .And after seeing this.

Stannous Flouride
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's fun when one of its tendrils feels like it is wrapping itself around your leg...

Barbara
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like skeletons rising from the ground up :D But rather this than the spider.

Han
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As kids we used to dive and slice thick sections off the kelp stems and carved the worlds greatest bouncy balls out of it.

Nikki D
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no idea why this is so terrifying but my Lord it really is. Won't the people get tangled in it?

Thinairgal
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such clear water! Hope it stays that way, what with the drilling platform in the background...

Molly Block
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be terrifying if they were EELS instead of seaweed!

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#4

Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

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Hans
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can almost feel them reaching for your feet...first gently stroking, then all of a sudden gripping fast...

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#5

A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

MindFlayer003 Report

#6

This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

9999monkeys Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something similar happened to me once, but well, the other way round. I was on a sea holiday and came upon a large blue dragonfly, drowned in the sea. Now, I was saddened for the poor thing, but also ecstatic, for I have a collection of pinned insects, all of which were found dead, for I just can't bring myself to kill alive ones for the purpose. I carried it around in my palm, wondering where exactly was I to put it, for I didn't have any other dragonflies and the thing was huge. Suddenly, it moved! A second later, again! It became progressively more active, until it could stand on its legs and turn his head around in curiosity! I separated its wings carefully(they stuck to each other from the salty water) and it shook itself a little. I left it cleaning itself on an oak on a quiet path and I do hope it recovered completely. :)

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#8

Damn Nature, You Scary...

Damn Nature, You Scary...

WoahitsWelker Report

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Luna rivers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A planting enthusiast wasn’t scared of anything, but when they found a skull of a 50 year old oojomaku breed, their life changed.

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#10

My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

everything-idiotic Report

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Nadja Lambacher
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually think those frogs are cute. Not the best place to find them, but not terrifying.

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#11

Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

ericd420 Report

#12

Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

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#14

This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

AestheticPurrfection Report

#16

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

Meanwhile in Australia Report

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#18

The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

reddit.com Report

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Ladies and Gentlemen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have watched too many alien movies which have gutted my mind to point that I refuse to believe its a plant! Fck me, I am running from here and calling ARMY, NAVY or fckng SWAT team.

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#19

Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

fingerbus Report

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MeggersTheFox
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was in your house and you just chilled and took a picture of it. Your bravery has no end

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#20

All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

Alphawolfdog Report

#21

Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

callyshark Report

#22

The Frog That Caught A Spider

The Frog That Caught A Spider

Dan-68 Report

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Braineating Spleen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...that wriggled and wriggled and jiggled inside her. She swallowed the spider to catch the fly. I don't know why she swallowed the fly, perhaps she'll die.

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#23

A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

Bill Curtsinger Report

#24

Acid Spitting Ants

Acid Spitting Ants

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Ellis
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the f***!?! Do these exist? What part of evolution came up with that?

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#25

Articulated Cobra Skeleton

Articulated Cobra Skeleton

beckhard Report

#26

Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

Xavimoose Report

#27

The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

edward Report

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A random Goat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once upon a time there was a man who did very bad things. The emperor turned him into a statue and trapped him in a tree. If he's freed the whole world is doomed. I made up this story

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#28

A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

julifallesen Report

#29

My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

robster644 Report

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Sally Appleton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give a snake a fish an he'll eat it. Teach a snake to fish and he'll become the fishing rod.

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#30

Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

boni_bo Report

#31

Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

YoSoyUnPayaso Report

#32

The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

cruciatus_curse Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I knew they have teeth, but I didn't know they have some on the tongue as well!

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#33

This Snake Covered In Ticks

This Snake Covered In Ticks

s18m Report

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Ellis
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn’t think I could ever feel sorry for a snake, until I saw this post...

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#34

These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

csiro Report

#35

After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

bassistmuzikman Report

#37

A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

imotabtabs Report

#38

5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

brykupono Report

#40

Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

Sumit316 Report

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#43

This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

meistertigran Report

#44

The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

TCIGOD Report

#45

One Big Spider

One Big Spider

Frank Goodale Report

#47

Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

PrestonGarvey1 Report

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Ladies and Gentlemen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you boss tells you a joke which isn't funny at all, but you gotta pretend its funny as heck!

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#48

Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

Blindfiretom Report

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#49

The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

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#50

Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

No_Reason27 Report

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#51

Something Took Two Clean Bites Out Of This Poor Sea Ravioli

Something Took Two Clean Bites Out Of This Poor Sea Ravioli

GallowBoob Report

#53

Ant On My Porch Carrying The Head Of His Vanquished Enemy

Ant On My Porch Carrying The Head Of His Vanquished Enemy

liedel Report

#54

Eels In The Stream At Battle Hill Farm

Eels In The Stream At Battle Hill Farm

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#55

Found Out The House We Are Living In Has A Bunker Below. I Managed To Squeeze My Phone In One Of The Cracks Of The Door To Take This Creepy Picture

Found Out The House We Are Living In Has A Bunker Below. I Managed To Squeeze My Phone In One Of The Cracks Of The Door To Take This Creepy Picture

Colombianthunder Report

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Mark Fergel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Several names. Camel crickets in my area. Dang things are a pain in the b***.

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#56

Found An Icicle Held Only By A Spider's Web

Found An Icicle Held Only By A Spider's Web

Momizer Report

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M.Shallow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks really wrong. Or maybe it's just because I have a dirty mind.

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#57

Found In Mexico. Battle To The Death

Found In Mexico. Battle To The Death

livvy2340 Report

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Ellis
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Judging by the snake’s shape, that thing with legs is already halfway in the snake. Am I right?

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#58

Oregon Fires Next To A Golf Course

Oregon Fires Next To A Golf Course

Kolsefur Report

#59

My Inlaws Are In A Bit Of A Froggy Situation Right Now

My Inlaws Are In A Bit Of A Froggy Situation Right Now

linkinhoker Report

#61

A Lizard On Its Final Journey

A Lizard On Its Final Journey

SlashFang Report

#62

Something Crawled Through The Keyhole And Made A Hive In The Garage Door Handle

Something Crawled Through The Keyhole And Made A Hive In The Garage Door Handle

v-j Report

#63

These Ants Forming A Question Mark

These Ants Forming A Question Mark

DivineEnergies Report

#64

Thousands Of Mosquitos Outside Of My Window At Work

Thousands Of Mosquitos Outside Of My Window At Work

plsdolanpls Report

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#66

So My Friend Got Something In His Eye While We Were Walking Home

So My Friend Got Something In His Eye While We Were Walking Home

thunderclown Report

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brown_panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and you took a picture instead of getting it out. wow! we r intelligent beings.

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#67

This Sick Washed Up Gar Skeleton I Found

This Sick Washed Up Gar Skeleton I Found

Fireflykid1 Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You kept it, didn't you? No, wait, there are probably laws for it, right? Gars are rare, after all. Pity, it's a nice skeleton for studies.

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#68

Millions Of Fire Ants Floating In Flooding From Harvey

Millions Of Fire Ants Floating In Flooding From Harvey

nephilis Report

#69

Fireants Create A Floating Island Of Themselves To Ride Out The Houston Flooding

Fireants Create A Floating Island Of Themselves To Ride Out The Houston Flooding

jumbodung Report

#70

This Coyote Froze Solid During The Recent Winter Storm (Pine Barrens, Southern New Jersey)

This Coyote Froze Solid During The Recent Winter Storm (Pine Barrens, Southern New Jersey)

gDisasters Report

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#73

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